Power unit with salt spreader and salt spreader for use therewith

ABSTRACT

Skid-steer type power unit engageable with an implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frame and a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of the attachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the frame member pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the frame member and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachment frame. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydraulic cylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight of the implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-take off system on the power unit powers the implement&#39;s operation. An underbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels of the power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine from nozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panel permits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/696,161, filed Jul. 10, 2018, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles. More particularly,the present disclosure is directed to a skid steer style vehicle havingone or more implements mounted thereon. Specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to a vehicle with a belt-drive power transfer system,that includes a novel attachment assembly for at least one snow and/orice removal implement, and that has a novel control system.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A large number of snow removal devices are currently on the market.These removal devices range from hand-held shovels, through to smallhousehold-sized snowblowers, and on to large snowplows and salting andsanding vehicles used to clear city streets and large areas such asairport runways.

There exists a need for intermediate-sized snow tools capable ofhandling largescale snow and ice removal in small areas but only a fewsuitable vehicles for this purpose have been proposed in the past.So-called “walking universities” and large business campuses have milesof sidewalks and paved walkways that need to be cleared of snow and icequickly and efficiently. However many of the areas that need to becleared offer very little space to maneuver vehicles that are of a sizethat would typically be used to remove large quantities of snow and ice.A skid steer is a machine that uses two pairs of tires that are operatedindependently. A difference in speed between the two pairs of tires iswhat allows the unit to turn left and right. The tires can sometimes bereplaced with tracks. Skid steers are often large units that have a caband an operator seat. However there are smaller stand-on and walk-behindunits available. Control is provided by two levers that control thespeeds of the two pairs of tires independently, with another lever orlevers controlling the main functionality. Often the main function is aset of lifting arms with a bucket; however, there are skid steers thathave snow blade and snow blower options available.

Stand-on skid steers have been created by a number of companies. Some ofthese stand-on skid steers are designed for snow removal, with anattached blade, a snow scoop, or a snow blower. There are additionallyother known skid steer type vehicles that are utilized for winderservices.

PRIOR ART snow removal machines that are currently on the market tend toonly have one attachment or they do not have an efficient system forchanging attachments. Switching between two attachments in less thansixty seconds, such as is possible with the power unit disclosed herein,enables operators more options when clearing snow. The operators aretherefore more likely to choose to use an attachment appropriate to aparticular situation. For example, plowing snow works well when there isa large amount of snow but is inefficient and difficult when there aresmaller amounts of snow. So when there are large amounts of snow, anoperator may select to engage a snowplow blade. When there are smallamounts of snow, a rotating snow broom may be engaged with the powerunit.

Previously known hydraulic Power Take-Off (PTO) systems are bulky, gethot, and suffer from losses in the system. In addition, repairingproblems that occur within these PRIOR ART hydraulic systems is costlyin both money and manpower. The power unit in accordance with thepresent disclosure, on the other hand, includes a belt-drive PTO. Thebelt-driven PTO allows for a more efficient power transfer between thepower unit and any attachments engaged therewith. The belt-drive PTO mayalso reduce the cost and time commitment for the owner of the power unitin repairs. The belt-drive PTO was developed in order to harness thepower of the engine on the power unit without bulky and costlyhydraulics. The PTO on the power unit also helps to maximize powertransfer efficiency.

PRIOR ART snow and ice removal equipment typically use rotatingbroadcast spreaders to spread salt or ice-melting materials. Broadcastspreaders are inaccurate and can distribute salt in locations where saltis not required or desired. If, for example, a sidewalk to be clearedruns adjacent a flowerbed, a broadcast spreader may inadvertentlydistribute some of the salt onto the flowerbed and thereby change theacidity or alkalinity of the soil.

In PRIOR ART machines, brine systems are typically provided with nozzleslocated proximate a front end of the PRIOR ART machines. Thisarrangement causes the PRIOR ART machine to drive through the recentlylaid-down brine. The brine then tends to be thrown back onto the PRIORART machine, reducing its effective life span. Driving through the brinealso causes some of the brine to be displaced from its intended positionon the sidewalk or other surface being cleared of snow or ice, thusreducing the effectiveness of treating the surface with brine.

SUMMARY

While a number of snow removal and snow treatment vehicles have beenproposed in the prior art, there remains a need for an effectivesolution to treat snow and ice-covered walkways in a safe, fast, andefficient manner. The apparatus and method disclosed herein addressesthis need. Provided herein is skid steer style snow and ice removalvehicle that may treat a large area of real estate while maintainingmaneuverability and effectiveness in tight spaces, such as on sidewalks.

A skid-steer type power unit is disclosed herein that is engageable withan implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frameand a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of theattachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the framemember pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the framemember and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachmentframe. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydrauliccylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight ofthe implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-takeoff system on the power unit powers the implement's operation. Anunderbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels ofthe power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine fromnozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panelpermits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.

The power unit disclosed herein may be an articulating tractor that iscapable of quickly swapping between multiple different attachments.Everything from a mower deck to a snow blower may be changed in lessthan sixty seconds when the power unit is under the control of a skilledoperator. The changing of the attachments does not require the use ofany tools.

The power unit disclosed herein has a tight turning radius and, in someexamples, may have a turning radius that may approximate a zero turnradius. The power unit is capable of sustained sidewalk use without theneed to have a driveway or larger area to turn around in. A tightturning radius, particularly a zero turn radius may permit the powerunit to plow snow without having to resort to time costly “Y” turningpatterns.

The power unit in accordance with the present disclosure is a stand-onunit and because of this, there is a chance that the operator might bethrown off balance by the machine. If this happens, it would be easy forthe operator to reflexively grab onto one of the control levers to tryand stabilize themselves. This would cause the machine to move in anunexpected way, endangering both the operator and those around themachine. To address this, the power unit disclosed herein is providedwith grab handles on the control panel. Additionally, the power unit isprovided with a safety kill-switch on the operator platform. If theoperator leaves the operator platform when the power unit's engine isrunning, the safety kill-switch will stop the engine and the operationof any attachments engaged with the power unit.

The power unit in accordance with the present disclosure offersoperators an opportunity to run the machine one handed whilemanipulating the attachment that is engaged with the machine. Thisone-handed operation is made possible through the provision of anergonomically designed control panel.

The power unit in accordance with the present disclosure also provide anunderbelly salt spreader. The power unit in accordance with the presentdisclosure uses a different style of salt spreader, namely, a dropspreader. This drop spreader can be mounted between the front and rearwheels of the power unit and in a location that is close to the ground.The drop spreader on the power unit only places salt where the operatorwishes to place salt. This enables the power unit to function in such away that it is unlikely to kill grass on nearby lawns or lay downunnecessarily high quantities of salt.

The power unit in accordance with the present invention may include abrine system that is mounted proximate a front end of the machine butthe nozzles for distributing that brine may be located proximate a rearend of the power unit. As a consequence, brine does not splash up ontothe power unit, reducing the power unit's life. Furthermore, the brinegets laid down by the power unit on the surface that requires treatmentand the power unit moving forwardly of the surface does not affect thetreatment of the surface with brine since the brine is sprayedrearwardly of the rear wheels of the device.

In one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a power unitcomprising a powered vehicle that has differential steering; anattachment engageable with the powered vehicle; said attachment beingadapted to perform a task as the powered vehicle travels over a surface;and a belt-drive power take-off system provided to transfer power fromthe powered vehicle to the attachment. The belt-drive power take-offsystem comprises a first belt-drive system provided on the poweredvehicle; said first belt-drive system including a first drive belt; anda second belt-drive system provided on the attachment; said secondbelt-drive system including a second drive belt; and an overlap formedbetween the first belt-drive system and the second belt-drive system andwherein power from the first belt-drive system is transferred to thesecond belt-drive system at the overlap.

A connector mechanism may be provided in the one region where the firstbelt-drive system overlaps the second belt-drive system; and whereineach of the first drive belt and the second drive belt engage theconnector mechanism. The connector mechanism may be a double pulleymounted to a frame of the powered vehicle and includes a first grooveand a second groove; and wherein the first drive belt is received in thefirst groove and the second drive belt is received in the second groove.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method oftransferring power from a power unit to an attachment engaged therewith;said method comprising engaging an attachment for performing a task witha power unit that is adapted to travel across a surface, wherein thepower unit comprises a powered vehicle that has differential steering;moving a first drive belt along a first belt path on the power unit;overlapping the first belt path with a second belt path, where thesecond belt path is located partially on the power unit and partially onthe attachment; transferring power from the first drive belt as it movesalong the first belt path to a second drive belt on the second beltpath; moving the second drive belt along the second belt path; andpowering the attachment with the power transferred to the second drivebelt. The method further comprises installing the second drive belt onthe second belt path after engagement of the attachment with the powerunit; and removing the second drive belt from the second belt path priorto removal of the attachment from the power unit. The method furthercomprises applying tension to at least one of the first drive belt andthe second drive belt prior to operating the attachment. The methodfurther comprises operating the attachment to clear a surface over whichthe power unit travels of snow and/or ice.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method oftransferring power from a power unit to an attachment engaged with thepower unit; said method comprising receiving a first drive belt of afirst belt-drive system provided on a power unit in a first groove of adouble pulley; engaging an attachment to the power unit, wherein thepower unit is a powered vehicle having differential steering; receivinga second drive belt of a second belt-drive system provided at leastpartially on the attachment in a second groove of the double pulley;moving the first drive belt around the double pulley; causing rotationof the double pulley through movement of the first drive belt; causingmovement of the second drive belt through the rotation of the doublepulley; rotating an attachment pulley provided on the attachment withthe second drive belt; and powering the attachment through the rotationof the attachment pulley. The powering includes one or both of poweringa pump provided on the attachment and powering a motor provided on theattachment.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a power unitcomprising a powered vehicle having differential steering; wherein thepowered vehicle has a frame having a front end, a rear end, a left sideand a right side; a pair of front wheels mounted proximate the front endof the frame; a pair of rear wheels mounted proximate the rear end ofthe frame; a spreader for particulate materials provided on the frame ata location between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels;and wherein the spreader includes an opening that is located proximate abottom surface of the frame. The spreader may be a drop spreader. Theframe of the power unit has a longitudinal axis that extends between thefront end and the rear end thereof; and the spreader is oriented at anangle to the longitudinal axis. The spreader may be oriented at rightangles to the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method oftreating a surface to clear snow and ice therefrom; said methodcomprising engaging one or both of a spreader and a brine tank on apower unit that has a frame upon which a pair of front wheels and a pairof rear wheels are mounted; and selecting to operate one of the spreaderand the brine tank to treat a surface over which the power unit travels.The method may further comprise providing differential steering on thepower unit. The step of engaging includes engaging the spreader on thepower unit; and positioning the spreader on a frame of the power unitand in a location between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rearwheels. The method may further comprise positioning an opening definedin a bottom end of the spreader adjacent an aperture defined in a bottomsurface of the frame; actuating the spreader; dropping particulatematerials from the opening in the spreader, through the aperture in theframe and directly onto a surface over which the power unit istraveling. The method further comprises loading a quantity ofparticulate materials into an interior cavity of the spreader through anopening defined in a portion of a top of the spreader; where the portionof the top extends outwardly for a distance beyond a left side or aright side of the frame of the power unit. In another aspect, the methodmay further comprise dropping the particulate materials onto a region ofthe surface that lays in front of the pair of rear wheels before thepower unit travels over the region of the surface. The method furthercomprises detachably engaging the spreader with the power unit. Themethod according to another aspect comprises selecting to engage thespreader with the power unit; removing a section of a side wall of theframe of the power unit from the frame; inserting the spreader into ahole in the side wall defined by removal of the section of the sidewall; positioning the spreader transversely relative to a longitudinalaxis of the frame, where the longitudinal axis extends between a frontend and a rear end of the frame; and securing the spreader to the sidewall of the frame that surrounds the opening.

The method further comprises operatively engaging the spreader withcontrols on a control panel of the power unit; and operating thespreader's functions with the controls on the control panel. The methodfurther includes loading particulate materials into an interior chamberof the spreader; and lowering a center of gravity of the power unit whenthe particulate materials are loaded into the interior chamber of thespreader. In other aspects, the method comprises mounting the brine tankon the frame of the power unit; delivering a quantity of brine from thebrine tank to one or more nozzles located on the frame rearwardly of thepair of rear wheels; and spraying brine through the one or more nozzlesand onto a region of a surface over which the power unit has alreadytraveled. Still further, the method includes selecting a width of sprayto be delivered from the one or more nozzles based upon a width of thesurface over which the power unit is to travel. The method may furthercomprise operatively engaging a hand-sprayer to the brine tank; andspraying a quantity of brine from the brine tank onto a surface with thehand-sprayer.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide an assembly forengaging a powered vehicle and an implement together, said assemblycomprising a hitch adapted to be provided at a front end of a poweredvehicle; an attachment assembly adapted to be provided on a rear end ofan implement for performing a task; said attachment assembly beingselectively engageable with the hitch to secure the implement to thepower unit; wherein the attachment assembly defines a vertical axis thatis located centrally and forwardly of the hitch; and wherein theattachment assembly is adapted to permit the implement to rotate aboutthe vertical axis during operation of the implement.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method ofconnecting an implement to a powered vehicle and operating the implementcomprising steps of aligning a hitch mounted on a forward end of thepowered vehicle with an attachment assembly provided on a rear end ofthe implement; driving the powered vehicle forward and causing the hitchto engage with the attachment assembly; and pivoting the implement abouta centrally located, vertically oriented axis that is provided on theattachment assembly a distance longitudinally forward of the hitch. Themethod may include providing the hitch on a powered vehicle that hasdifferential steering. The aligning of the hitch comprises aligning afirst latch on the hitch with a first slot defined in an upper hitchplate provided on the attachment assembly and aligning a second latchwith a second slot defined in a second upper hitch plate provided on theattachment assembly; driving the powered vehicle forward towards theimplement; and causing the first latch to engage in the first slot andcausing the second latch to engage in the second slot. The aligning ofthe hitch with the attachment assembly occurs while the implement restson a ground surface.

The method further includes raising the hitch away from the groundsurface; lifting the implement upwardly from the ground surface; causinga first lower hitch plate on the attachment assembly to align with afirst latch on the hitch; and causing a second lower hitch plate on theattachment assembly to align with a second latch plate on the hitch. Themethod further includes rotating of an attachment latch handle on thehitch from an open position to a closed position thereby locking thefirst latch in the first lower hitch plate and the second latch in thesecond lower hitch plate. The method further includes locking theattachment latch handle in the closed position with a handle lock.

In other aspects, the present disclosure may provide a method thatfurther includes engaging a mounting attachment plate to a housing ofthe implement; engaging a first end of a support member with a centralregion of the mounting attachment plate using a first connector;engaging a second end of the support member with the attachment assemblyusing a second connector; engaging a first end of a hydraulic cylinderand piston to a second end of the mounting attachment plate with a thirdconnector; engaging a second end of the hydraulic cylinder and piston tothe attachment assembly using a forth connector. The method furthercomprises pivotally engaging an arcuate frame member with the attachmentassembly; operatively engaging the arcuate frame member with thehousing; actuating the hydraulic cylinder and piston to rotate themounting attachment plate and thereby the housing relative to theattachment assembly; and pivoting the arcuate frame member about thecentrally located, vertically oriented axis defined along the firstconnector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the followingdescription, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctlypointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanyingdrawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part ofthe specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and otherexample embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples oneelement may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elementsmay be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as aninternal component of another element may be implemented as an externalcomponent and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn toscale.

FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of a power unit in accordance withan aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a frame of the power unit taken along line2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a control panel of the power unit takenalong line 3A-3A of FIG. 1, showing the control panel on its own andillustrated from the perspective of an operator standing on the platformof the power unit;

FIG. 3B is a front, isometric, perspective view of the control panel ofFIG. 3 shown on its own;

FIG. 3C is a top, left, isometric perspective view of the control panelshown on its own and in in first operational position;

FIG. 3D is top, left, isometric, perspective view of the control panelshown on its own and in a second operational position;

FIG. 4 is a partial, enlarged left side elevation view of a front end ofthe power unit of FIG. 1, showing an attachment assembly in accordancewith an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the attachment assembly in a neutralposition;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the attachment assembly;

FIG. 7 is a front left perspective view of a hitch of the attachmentassembly of FIG. 4 shown on its own.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the attachment assembly shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged left side elevation view of a weight transfermechanism taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the weight transfer mechanism taken alongline 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear left perspective view of an attachment frame of theattachment assembly shown on its own;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the attachment frame with the upper platesthereof removed and cutting through the bolts;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pivot mechanismtaken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the attachment assembly pivoting theimplement in a counter-clockwise direction during use; and

FIG. 15 is top plan view of the attachment assembly pivoting theimplement in a clockwise direction during use.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe attachment assembly and the power unit showing the power take offsystem;

FIG. 17A is a cross-section of the attachment assembly taken along line17-17A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 17B is a similar view of the attachment assembly as that shown inFIG. 17A showing the attachment latch handle being pulled back into aposition where an operator is just beginning to remove the implementengaged with the power unit;

FIG. 17C is a similar view of the attachment assembly as that shown inFIG. 17B showing a lower region of the implement rotating out of thehitch;

FIG. 17D is a similar view of the attachment assembly as that shown inFIG. 17C showing the implement being lifted off the hitch;

FIG. 18A is a left side elevation view of the attachment assemblyshowing a different implement being positioned for engagement with theattachment assembly;

FIG. 18B is a left side elevation view showing the attachment engagingthe different implement;

FIG. 19 is a partial, enlarged left side elevation view of power unitshowing the location of the particulate material spreader system inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the frame similar to FIG. 2, with the leftfront fender removed and showing the location of the particulatematerial spreader on the power unit frame; and

FIG. 21 is a partial, enlarged left side elevation view of the powerunit showing the particulate material spreader system exploded away fromthe power unit.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A power unit in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated inFIGS. 1-21 and is generally indicated herein by the reference number 10.Power unit 10 is shown and described herein as a powered vehicle thathas differential steering. One example of such a powered vehicle is askid steer-style vehicle that may carry and operate various attachmentsand implements. Examples of suitable skid steer style vehicles that maybe used as power unit 10 are those sold under the name BOBCAT® by TheBobcat Company of North Dakota, USA or those sold under the name JOHNDEERE® by Deere & Company of Illinois, USA.

Power unit 10 has a front 10 a and a rear 10 b defining a longitudinaldirection therebetween. Power unit 10 further includes a left side 10 c(FIG. 2) and a right side 10 d defining a transverse directiontherebetween. Power unit 10 includes a longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 2)extending between front 10 a and rear 10 b and a traverse axis “X”extending between left side 10 c and right side 10 c. Transverse axis“X” is oriented at 74° relative to longitudinal axis “Y”.

During operation, power unit 10 will typically travel in a forwarddirection indicated by the arrow “A” (FIGS. 1 & 2) that is generallyparallel to longitudinal axis “Y”. When power unit 10 moves in theforward direction “A”, the front 10 a comprises the leading end of powerunit 10. (In some instances, power unit 10 may need to reverse, in whichcase the direction of travel will be opposite to the direction indicatedby arrow “A”, and then rear 10 b will comprise the leading end of thepower unit 10.)

Power unit 10 includes a tractor frame 12 upon which four wheels 14 a,14 b are mounted so that power unit 10 may be driven across a surface“S” (FIG. 1). Tractor frame 12 may include a generallyrectangular-shaped box that has an upper mounting platform 12 a that isspaced vertically above a lower plate. A portion of lower plate 12 b isshown in FIG. 2 through an aperture 12 c defined in upper mountingplatform 12 a. Lower plate 12 b defines an opening 12 d. The purpose ofopening 12 d will be later described herein. Tractor frame 12 furtherincludes sides 12 e (FIG. 21) that extend between upper mountingplatform 12 a and lower plate 12 b. One or both sides 12 e may define ahole 12 f therein. Hole 12 f may originally be closed over with a metalplate. The metal plate may be selectively removed to permit accessthrough hole 12 f, as will be described later herein. It will beunderstood that tractor frame 12 includes many other component platesand flanges that are not illustrated in the figures. Yet othercomponents and plates of tractor frame 12 may be illustrated but thesewill then simply be identified in the various figures by the referencenumber “12” to indicate that they form part of the tractor frame 12.

Power unit 10 includes a pair of laterally spaced apart front wheels 14a and a pair of laterally spaced apart rear wheels 14 b. Front wheels 14a and rear wheels 14 b are mounted on frame 12 in such a way that theyhave a fixed orientation relative to frame 12. In other words, whilewheels 14 a, 14 b are individually rotatable about a horizontallyoriented axis, wheels 14 a, 14 b are not able to pivot to the left or tothe right relative to the frame. Power unit 10 is steered by applyingmore or less drive torque to wheels 14 a, 14 b on the left side of powerunit 10 relative to the drive torque applied to the wheels 14 a, 14 b onthe right side of power unit 10. In other words, power unit 10 is apowered vehicle that has differential steering.

Although shown and discussed as having wheels 14 a, 14 b and being of askid steer style, it will be understood that power unit 10 may, instead,be any of a number of different driven vehicles, including but notlimited to, a tracked vehicle, a skid steer, a tractor, an all-terrainvehicle, a zero-turn vehicle, or any other similar type ofgasoline-powered, electrically-powered or otherwise powered and drivendevice. For simplicity, the present description will be directed to theskid steer styled vehicle shown in the attached figures but it will beunderstood that the aspects of the present disclosure could be used onany other similar vehicle.

A pair of front fenders 16 a and a pair of rear fenders 16 b are mountedto tractor frame 12 in such a way as to cover a portion of theassociated wheel 14 a, 14 b. Fenders 16 a, 16 b are provided to shieldvarious components of power unit 10 as well as the operator of the powerunit. Fenders 16 a, 16 b aid in preventing debris from being thrown upfrom wheels 14 a, 14 b during operation of power unit. Front and rearfenders 16 a, 16 b may also serve as mounting points for accessories andequipment as discussed further herein.

Power unit 10, as illustrated, is a stand-on machine. Typically, anoperator will be positioned proximate rear 10 b of power unit 10 and theattachments and implements will be located forward of the operator. Anoperator platform 18 (FIGS. 1 & 2) may be mounted on tractor frame 12and extend rearwardly therefrom proximate rear 10 b of power unit 10.Operator platform 18 is configured so that the operator will stand onplatform 18. It will be understood that in vehicles other than the skidsteer style power unit 10, the operator may be seated on a seat insteadof standing on a platform. In those instances, the seat for the operatormay be located somewhere between front 10 a and rear 10 b of power unit10.

A safety kill-switch or deadman's switch 20 (FIG. 2) may be provided onoperator platform 18. Switch 20 will detect when an operator is standingon the operator platform 18 and prevents power unit 10 from being putinto drive without an operator standing on the operator platform 18.Switch 20 also acts as a safety if the power unit's controls becomestuck in a forward position (i.e., driving the power unit 10 over thesurface “S” or operating an attachment engaged with power unit 10).Switch 20 also shuts off a Power Take-Off (PTO) provided on power unit10 if the operator leaves the operator platform 18 for any reason. ThisPTO will be later described herein. Switch 20 also eliminates access tothe PTO while the PTO is turned on, thereby providing another level ofsafety for the operator. Switch 20 will cut power to power unit 10 ifthe operator leaves operator platform 18 while the engine 26 is running.If the operator, for example, forgot to turn off the machine off andsteps off the platform 18 or if the operator falls off the platform 18,the kill switch 20 will switch off engine 26 and the power unit 10 willstop moving over the surface “S”. Furthermore, attachments engaged withpower unit 10 will stop functioning. For example, a rotating brushmounted on power unit 10, will cease rotating.

A plurality of component parts of power unit 10 may be operativelyengaged or mounted on frame 12. It will be understood that the attachedfigures and the following description is not exhaustive and, whiledescribing some components and systems in detail, this document alsoonly identifies other components and systems in passing. With respect tothe components that are merely identified in passing, these componentsmay be well-known in the art, both with respect to structure andfunction, and therefore will not be described in detail. Alternatively,the components mentioned in passing may not be directly relevant to thespecific apparatus, system, or method being discussed herein. Yet othercomponents that are present on power unit 10 may not be identified atall in this document.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, power unit 10 may further include a body 22that is located on upper mounting platform 12 a of frame 12 and acontrol panel 24 may be provided on an upper end of body 22. An engine26 is mounted on upper mounting platform 12 a in a position forward ofbody 22. Engine 26 may be a gasoline-powered engine, anelectrically-powered engine, a hybrid thereof, or any other mechanismfor providing power to the systems of power unit 10. Power unit 10 mayfurther include a particulate material spreader system 28, aliquid-dispensing system 30, an attachment assembly 32, a weighttransfer system 34 (FIG. 9), and a power transfer system 36 (FIG. 16).Each of the particulate material spreader system 28, liquid-dispensingsystem 30, attachment assembly 32, weight transfer system 34 (FIG. 9),and power transfer system 36 are in some way operatively engaged withand/or supported by frame 12. Upper mounting platform 12 a may furtherserve as a base for any additional components including, but not limitedto, electrical components such as a battery, wiring, hydrauliccomponents such as pumps and hoses, a fuel tank, and the like.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D the structure and functionof control panel 24 will be further described. Control panel 24 has afront end 24 a located towards front 10 a of power unit 10 and a rearend 24 b located towards rear 10 b of power unit 10. Front end 24 a islongitudinally spaced apart from rear end 24 b. Control panel 24 furtherincludes a left side 24 c laterally spaced apart from a right side 24 d,and a top 24 e upon which are provided a plurality of controls. Top 24 emay define a generally square shaped aperture 24 f and a pair ofparallel and spaced apart slots 24 g, 24 h. As best seen in FIG. 1,control panel 24 is located atop body 22 of power unit 10 and towardsthe rear 10 b of power unit 10. This location and configuration mayallow an operator standing on operator platform 18 to be in constantcontact with control panel 24 during operation of power unit 10.

For purposes of simplicity, control panel 24 will be described in theway in which an operator standing on operator platform 18 will see andexperience control panel 24. The description will begin at a forwardleft quadrant of control panel 24 (proximate where left side 24 cintersects with front end 24 a) as seen in FIG. 3A and will workclockwise around control panel 24. With reference therefore to theforward left quadrant, control panel 24 may have an ignition switch 38for switching power unit 10 on or off. According to one aspect, ignitionswitch 38 may be a keyed ignition switch while in another aspect,ignition switch 38 may be a keyless ignition switch.

Control panel 24 next includes a first auxiliary power switch 40, asecond auxiliary power switch 42, and an instrument cluster gauge 44.First auxiliary power switch 40 may control an electrical implement, forexample, one or more rear work lights 46 (FIG. 1) or one or more forwardwork lights, if provided, on power unit 10. Likewise, second auxiliarypower switch 42 may control a second electrical implement such as one ormore headlights 48 or fog lights if provided on power unit 10. Accordingto one aspect, a power unit 10 equipped with both rear work lights 46and headlights 48 may be controlled by first and second auxiliary powerswitches 40 and 42, respectively.

Cluster gauge 44 may display relevant information about the operationand status of power unit 10. By way of a non-limiting example, clustergauge 44 may include features such as an hour meter, oil pressure light,power take-off indicator light, parking brake light, voltage meter, gasgauge, or any other informational display as chosen of a person skilledin the art relevant to the desired operation of power unit 10.

Moving now to a center region of control panel 24, proximate front end24 a, and control panel 24 may further include a pressure gauge 50 andnozzle toggle switch 52. According to one aspect, pressure gauge 50 andnozzle toggle switch 52 may be installed as part of control panel 24 ininstances where power unit 10 includes the liquid-dispensing system 30as discussed later herein. In other examples, power unit 10 may notinclude liquid-dispensing system 30 and in those instances, pressuregauge 50 and nozzle toggle switch 52 may be omitted from control panel24. Pressure gauge 50 may indicate a pressure within liquid-dispensingsystem 30 while nozzle toggle switch 52 may be utilized to control powerto toggle one or more liquid-dispensing nozzles that may be provided aspart of liquid-dispensing system 30. This will be discussed laterherein. Nozzle toggle switch 52 may also be utilized to moveliquid-dispensing system 30 between an ON position and an OFF position.

Moving now to the forward right quadrant, control panel 24 may include athrottle control 54, a power take-off switch 56 (PTO switch 56), a thirdauxiliary power switch 58, a fourth auxiliary power switch 60, a parkingbrake lever 62, and choke control 64. According to one aspect, throttlecontrol 54 may be activated to control the flow of power or fuel to thepower unit's engine 26. According to another aspect, PTO switch 56 maybe utilized to engage or disengage the power transfer system 36 as laterdescribed herein. According to another aspect, third auxiliary switch 58may be utilized to power brine pumps to deliver liquid through theliquid-dispensing system 30 if provided on power unit 10. According toanother aspect, fourth auxiliary power switch 60 may be utilized tocontrol an optional 12 Volt electrical power source that may beconnected to a front attachment/implement if such a device is installedon power unit 10. Many of these optional features will be discussedherein with reference to the appropriate systems to which they belong.

Moving now to the lower right quadrant, control panel 24 may furtherinclude a hydraulic control lever 66. According to one aspect, hydrauliccontrol lever 66 may be utilized to control a front attachment orimplement, if provided on power unit 10 and as described further herein.Hydraulic control lever 66 may include a shaft 66 a with a knob 66 b atits uppermost end. Hydraulic control lever 66 may have a central floatposition. In other words, hydraulic control lever 66 may float towards acenter of its motion range when not in use. As is evident from FIGS. 3Aand 3B, the motion of the shaft 66 a of hydraulic control lever 66 islimited by a stop wall that bounds and defines aperture 24 f in top 24 eof control panel 24. Hydraulic control lever 66 is capable of moving inmore than one direction, as illustrated by the arrows “B1”, “B2”, “B3”and “B4” in FIG. 3A. The shaft 66 a and therefore hydraulic controllever 66 will tend to move to a central region of the aperturesurrounded by stop wall 24 f when hydraulic control lever 66 is not inuse.

Immediately rearward of hydraulic control lever 66 is a wrist supportbar 68 that extends upwardly from top 24 e of control panel 24. Wristsupport bar 68 may be a tube that is generally circular in cross-sectionand which is formed into a U-shaped member when viewed from the rear 10b of power unit 10. Wrist support bar 68 may provide a comfortablelocation for the operator to rest his or her wrist and part of theirforearm while holding and manipulating hydraulic control lever 66. Wristsupport bar 68 may provide a rest point for the wrist and forearm of theoperator, thereby freeing up the operator's hand to work hydrauliccontrol lever 66. In some examples, wrist support bar 68 may beadjustable in height relative to top 24 e so that an operator can selectthe most comfortable height of wrist support bar 68 for their own body.If wrist support bar 68 is adjustable in height, then the bar 68 mayalso be provided with a locking member to lock bar 68 at the selectedadjusted height. It is preferable, however, that wrist support bar 68 bea fixed height relative to top 24 e so that it provides a stable supportfor the operator's wrist.

Moving to a rear center portion of control panel 24, drive controls areshown. The drive controls may include a left drive control lever 70 witha left-hand knob 70 a attached thereto and a right drive control lever72 with a right-hand control knob 72 a attached thereto. Left drivecontrol lever 70 has a shaft that extends outwardly from top 24 e ofcontrol panel 24 through slot 24 g. Left drive control lever 70 may beutilized to control the left side wheels 14 a, 14 b of power unit 10.Right drive control lever 72 has a shaft that extends outwardly from top24 e of control panel through slot 24 h. Right drive control lever 72may be utilized to control the right side wheels 14 a, 14 b duringoperation of power unit 10. As discussed more thoroughly later herein,the specific configuration of left drive control lever 70, left-handknob 70 a, right drive control lever 72, and right hand knob 72 a mayallow for single-handed operation of power unit 10.

It should be noted that hydraulic control lever 66, left drive controllever 70, and right drive control lever 72 all include small roundedknobs 66 b, 70 a, and 72 a, respectively at their upper ends. The knobs66 b, 70 a, and 72 a help to enable one-handed operation of power unit10. The levers 66, 70, and 72 protrude generally upright from top 24 eof control panel 24 and allow the operator's hand to move easily aroundthem, thereby allowing for fine control of power unit 10, even if theoperator is only using one hand.

Immediately forward of the left and right drive control levers 70, 72 isa forward support bar 74 and immediately rearward of left and rightdrive control levers 70, 72 is a rear support bar 76. Forward and rearsupport bars 74 and 76, (which are collectively referred to herein as“support bars”), may provide anchor points for the operator's wrist,forearm, and/or fingers to further allow for possible one-handedoperation of power unit 10. Each support bar 74, 76 may be a generallyU-shaped member (when viewed from rear end 10 b) that extends for adistance outwardly from top 24 e of control panel 24. In some examples,one or more of the support bars 74, 76 may be selectively adjustable inheight and may be lockable with a locking member in that selectedadjusted height. It is preferably, however, that the forward and rearsupport bars 74 and 76 be of a fixed height relative to top wall 24 e ofcontrol panel 24. The U-shaped members may be generally circular incross-section.

Moving now to the lower left quadrant of control panel 24, a cup holder78 may be provided. According to one aspect, cup holder 78 may beomitted from control panel 24 if desired, or cup holder 78 may bereplaced with additional controls depending on the desired applicationand use of power unit 10.

While various controls provided on control panel 24 have beenidentified, the operation thereof and the correlation to remainingsystems herein described will become apparent throughout the remainderof this specification.

The basic operation of power unit 10 will now be described withreference to the manipulation of the various controls on control panel24. With reference to FIG. 1, power unit 10 may generally operate as anormal ski steer-style vehicle wherein the first pair of wheels 14 a, 14b on the left side 10 c of power unit 10 and the second pair of wheels14 a, 14 b on the right side 10 d of power unit 10 are drivenindependently of each other. Power unit 10 may move in a forwarddirection, generally indicated by the arrow “A” discussed earlier hereinor in a rearward direction (i.e., reverse) opposite to arrow “A”. Powerunit 10 may also turn left, turn right, and turn in a zero degree circleto the left or to the right through operation of left and right controllevers 70 and 72, as described below.

The starting process and general operation of power unit 10 may proceedaccording to known steps and functions. To that end, ignition switch 38may be utilized to start engine 26. Choke control 64 may be actuated toassist in the starting of engine 26 when the air temperature, power unit10 or general environment is cold. Once engine 26 is at running and isat an appropriate operating temperature and speed, power unit 10 may befurther utilized to perform a task such as clearing snow and/or ice fromsurface “S”, treating surface “S” for snow and/or ice buildup, treatingsurface “S” to prevent future snow and/or ice buildup, or a combinationthereof.

With reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, control panel 24 may allow anoperator to drive power unit 10 through manipulation of left and rightdrive control levers 70, 72. Specifically, the left side wheels 14 a, 14b are controlled by left drive control lever 70 and the right sidewheels 14 a, 14 b may be controlled by right drive control lever 72. Theleft drive control lever 70 is configured to only be able to movelinearly back and forth within a first slot 24 g defined in top 24 e ofcontrol panel 24. The possible linear back and forth motion of leftdrive control lever 70 is identified in FIG. 3A by the arrows “C1”(forward) and “C2” (rearward). The right drive control lever 72 isconfigured to only be able to move linearly back and forth within asecond slot 24 h defined in top 24 e of control panel 24. The possiblelinear back and forth motion of right drive control lever 72 isidentified in FIG. 3A by the arrows “D1” (forward) and “D2” (rearward).The linear movements of left and right control levers 70, 72 areoriented substantially parallel to longitudinal axis “Y” of power unit10. The left control lever 70 is configured to move along a first planethat is parallel to axis “Y” and the right control lever 72 isconfigured to move along a second plane that is parallel to the axis “Y”and to the first plane.

Moving both of the left and/or right drive control levers 70, 72 forwardin the respective directions “C1” and/or “D1”, may cause the associatedpair of left or right side wheels 14 a, 14 b to move power unit forward,i.e., in the direction of arrow “A”. Power unit 10 will then moveforwardly across the surface “S” (FIG. 1). Moving both of the leftand/or right drive control levers 70, 72 rearward, i.e., respectivedirections “C2” and/or “D2”, may cause the associated pair of left orright side wheels 14 a, 14 b to move power unit 10 in a rearwarddirection across the surface “S”, i.e., opposite to the directionindicated by arrow “A”.

Moving only one of the left and right drive control levers 70, 72forward (in the direction of “C1” or “D1”) while moving the other of theleft and right drive control levers 70, 72 rearward (in the direction of“C2” or “D2”) may allow power unit 10 to turn in a circle, i.e., through360°.

Applicable to all the above-described movements, it will be understoodthat the further forward or rearward the drive control levers 70, 72 aremoved within the associated slot 24 g, 24 h, the faster the associatedwheels 14 a, 14 b will rotate.

Wheels 14 a, 14 b are mounted in a fixed orientation relative to frame12. In other words, the wheels 14 a, 14 b are mounted so that they donot and cannot pivot relative to the axis about which they rotate.Wheels 14 a, 14 b may only rotate about the axis in a forward motion orin a rearward motion. The wheels 14 a, 14 b cannot be turned to the leftor to the right, i.e., angled relative to the “Y” axis. Instead, theyalways remain straight and parallel to longitudinal axis “Y”.Accordingly, in order for power unit 10 to turn to the left or to theright as it moves across surface “S”, the speed of the wheels 14 a, 14 bon one side may be adjusted relative to the speed of the wheels 14 a, 14b on the opposite side. The difference in the speed of rotation of thewheels 14 a, 14 b on the left side 10 c of power unit 10 d relative tothe speed of rotation of wheels 14 a, 14 b on the right side will causepower unit to turn as it travels across surface “S”. The direction ofthe turn is dependent upon the relative speeds of rotation of wheels 14a, 14 b on the left side 10 c and right side 10 d. Specifically, ifwheels 14 a, 14 b on left side 10 c of power unit 10 rotate more slowlythan wheels 14 a, 14 b on the right side 10 d, power unit 10 will turnleft. If the wheels 14 a, 14 b on the right side 10 d rotate more slowlythan wheels 14 a, 14 b on the left side 10 c, power unit 10 will turnright.

The configuration of control panel 24 allows an operator to drive powerunit 10 with only one hand. With continued reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D,operator may place one hand on the left and right hand knobs 70 a, 72 aof left and right drive control levers 70, 72. If the operator wishes todrive forward in the direction of arrow “A” in FIG. 1, both of the leftand right drive control levers 70, 72 may be operated using the palm ofthe one hand, and both levers 70, 72 may simultaneously be pushedforwardly in the directions “C1” and “D1” with a substantially equalforce being applied thereto. The simultaneous movement may move the leftdrive control lever and right drive control lever 70, 72 forwardlywithin the respective slot 24 g, 24 h a generally similar or identicaldistance. Forward support bar 74 may provide a gripping point foroperator's fingers (as shown in FIG. 3D) to give the operator leverageto move left and right control levers 70, 72 forwardly towards forwardsupport bar 74 with relative ease. Moving both left and right controllevers 70, 72 in this manner may allow the movement thereof to be evenand consistent, As a result, power unit 10 will move forward in agenerally straight line, i.e., generally parallel to longitudinal axis“Y”.

If the operator wishes to drive in reverse in a straight line, i.e., inthe direction opposite to arrow “A” in FIG. 1 and parallel to the axis“Y”, then left and right control levers 70, 72 may be operated using thefingers of the hand, while the palm of the operator's hand may restagainst the rearward support bar 76 to provide leverage. The operatorwill grasps knobs 70 a, 72 b with their fingers and resting their palmon rearward support bar 76, the operator will simply pull their fingersinwardly toward their palm. Again, this will result in left and rightcontrol levers to move smoothly within their associated slots 24 g, 24h. The controlled movement of left and right control levers 70, 72 willhelp assure that power unit 10 will reverse in a generally straight linethat is parallel to axis “Y”.

Single handed operation of power unit 10 during a turn may beaccomplished through manipulation of the left and right control levers70, 72 using the left and right hand knobs 70 a, 72 a by holding them ina particular manner in the operator's fingers. Specifically, theoperator may control one of the left and right drive control levers 70,72 by gripping the associated knob 70 a or 72 a with the thumb andforefinger of one hand and operating the other of the left or rightdrive control levers 70, 72 with the remaining three fingers. During aturn, one of knobs 70 a, for example, may be moved rearwardly (in thedirection “C2”) while the other knob 72 a is moved forwardly in thedirection of “D1”. This engagement will cause power unit 10 to turn tothe left. Moving knob 70 a forwardly in the direction of “C1” and movingknob 72 a rearwardly in the direction of “D2” will cause power unit 10to turn to the right. If the operator feels the need, for example, in atight turn or similar situation he or she may easily switch from aone-handed operation mode to a two-handed operation mode for theduration of the turn and then switch back to one-handed operation oncethe maneuver is complete.

The ability to drive power unit 10 with only one hand (i.e., their lefthand) tends to free up the operator's other hand (i.e., their righthand) to control other components on power unit 10 without sacrificingthe ability to safely and accurately maneuver power unit 10.

With their free right hand, the operator may activate or deactivate anyof the other controls on control panel 24. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 3C, the operator may manipulate hydraulic control lever 66 withtheir right, non-drive hand. Specifically, operator may place the palmor wrist of their right hand on wrist support bar 68 and they may thengrasp knob 66 b and manipulate hydraulic control lever 68 with thefingers and thumb of their right hand. In particular, the operator maypush hydraulic control lever 66 in any of the directions “B1” or “B4”(FIG. 3A) or may pull hydraulic control lever 66 in any of thedirections “B2” or “B3”. When the operator releases knob 66 b, thecontrol lever 66 will tend to “float” back into a generally centrallocation within aperture 24 f.

Power unit 10 is designed to be utilized with a variety of differentattachments or implements that may be engaged with power unit 10 toperform a variety of different tasks. Some attachments or implements maybe engaged with power unit 10 proximate front 10 a thereof, while otherattachments or implements may be engaged on power unit somewhere betweenfront 10 a and rear 10 b. (In yet other examples, attachments orimplements may be engaged proximate rear 10 b.) In power unit 10 asillustrated and described herein one or more attachments or implementsmay be engaged proximate front 10 a and one or more attachments orimplements may be engaged with tractor frame 12 in a position that isgenerally midway between front wheels 14 a and rear wheels 14 b.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-15, the attachment assembly 32 in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown in greater detail. Attachmentassembly 32 comprises a plurality of components that are utilized tosecure any one of a variety of different attachments or implements tofront 10 a of power unit 10. By way of non-limiting example and withreference to FIGS. 1 and 4, a powered broom 80 engaged with front 10 aof power unit 10 by attachment assembly 32. FIGS. 18A and 18B show asnowplow blade 82 engaged with front 10 a of power unit 10 by attachmentassembly 32. It will be understood that implement 80 may be a number ofvariable, interchangeable devices such as a snow blower or lifting forksthat may include an attachment assembly 32 that allows implement 80 toconnect with vehicle frame 84 according to an attachment methoddiscussed later herein. It will be understood that attachment assembly32 may be modified from the forms shown and described herein to fit thespecific implement 80 being used. For the sake of simplicity any and allattachments and implements that may be engaged with front 10 a of powerunit by attachment assembly 32 will be referred to herein as implement80.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-15, attachment assembly 32 comprise two maincomponents, namely a hitch and an attachment frame. The hitch isgenerally indicated at 84 and the attachment frame is generallyindicated at 85. Hitch 84 is operatively engaged with front 10 a ofpower unit 10 and is also selectively operatively engaged withattachment frame 85. Attachment frame 85 is operatively engaged withimplement 80 that will be utilized to perform a task.

Hitch 84 of attachment assembly 32 will now be described in greaterdetail. FIG. 7 that hitch 84 comprises a second side plate 88 and afirst side plate 86. First and second side plates 86, 88 are spaced adistance laterally apart from each other such that a space 90 is definedbetween an interior surface of first side plate 86 and an interiorsurface of second side plate 88. First and second side plates 86, 88 areheld in a spaced-apart relationship by an upper crossbar 108, lowercrossbar 94, and rear support member 96. First side plate 86, secondside plate 88, upper and lower crossbars 92, 94 and rear support member96 may be welded together or otherwise secured to each other to form astrong and substantially rigid structure. The upper portion of firstside plate 86 terminates in a first hitch tab 86 b and the upper portionof second side plate 88 terminates in a second hitch tab 88 a. First andsecond hitch tabs 86 b, 88 a extend for a distance upwardly beyond uppercrossbar 92. The purpose of first and second hitch tabs 86 b, 88 a willbe disclosed later herein. First side plate 86 also includes a frontedge 86 c and second side plate 88 includes a front edge 88 d. Frontedges 86 c, 88 d form the leading ends of hitch 84.

A first hub 98 extends into space 90 from the interior surface of firstside plate 86. A second hub 100 extends into space 90 from the interiorsurface of second side plate 88. First and second hubs 98, 100 arelaterally aligned with each other and each may include a spacer orbushing, indicated at 102. A mounting bolt 104 (FIG. 9) may be receivethrough each bushing 102. Mounting bolts 104 may be utilized to securehitch 98 to frame 12. Bushings 102 may allow rotation of hitch 84relative to frame 12 and about an axis extending between the mountingbolts 104 that are received through aligned first hub 98 and second hub100.

Pivotal motion of hitch 84 about the axis extending along mounting bolts104 may be effected by a hydraulic cylinder 106. A first end of thecylinder 106 a may be engaged with a portion of frame 12 and a piston106 b extends outwardly from cylinder 106 a and towards hitch 84. A freeend of piston 106 b is provided with a sleeve 106 c (FIG. 5). An opening86 a is defined in first side plate 86 and opening 86 a extends betweenthe interior and exterior surfaces of first side plate 86. A mountingbracket 108 (FIG. 5) extends into space 90 from the interior surface offirst side plate 86 adjacent opening 86 a. An aperture is defined in aportion of mounting bracket 108 that is parallel to the interior surfaceof first side plate 86. The aperture in mounting bracket 108 is alignedwith opening 86 a. Sleeve 106 c is between the portion of mountingbracket 108 that defines the aperture and the interior surface of firstside plate 86. A bore defined within sleeve 106 c is aligned withopening 86 a and with the aperture in mounting bracket 108. A bolt 110is passed through the aligned opening 86 a, bore, and aperture and a nut(not numbered) secures the bolt 110 in place and thereby secures pistonto hitch 84. Bolt 110 may define a pivot axis about hitch 84 may rotate.This arrangement may allow adjustments of hitch 84 in a verticaldirection, specifically, lifting of hitch by hydraulic cylinder 106.When piston 106 b is extended further outwardly from cylinder 106 a,first side plate 86, and therefore hitch 84 is pivoted in a firstdirection. When piston 106 b is retracted inwardly into cylinder 106 a,first side plate 86 and therefore hitch 84 is pivoted in a seconddirection.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-15, hitch 84 further includes an attachmentlatch handle 112 that is best seen in FIGS. 7 and 17A. Attachment latchhandle 112 is located adjacent an exterior surface of first side plate86 and is pivotally secured thereto by way of lower crossbar 94. Lowercrossbar 94 defines a pivot axis about which attachment latch handle 112may rotate. In particular, attachment latch handle 112 is rotatablebetween a latched position (FIG. 17A) and an unlatched position (FIG.17B). A stop 114 extends outwardly from the exterior surface of firstside plate 86 to limit the pivotal motion of attachment latch handle112.

Referring to FIG. 17A, attachment latch handle 112 includes a body 112 athat has a leading lower end shaped into a first hook 112 b. The firsthook 112 b forms a first latch for engagement of hitch 84 withattachment frame 85. A handle 112 c extends upwardly and outwardly frombody 112 a. Handle 112 c may have a portion thereof that angles slightlyoutwardly from first side plate 86 so that an operator may readily grasphandle 112 to manipulate the same. A trailing lower end of body 112 a isshaped into a second hook 112 d that forms a lock tab. The first latchthat is comprised of the first hook will be referred to hereafter by thereference number 112 b. The lock tab that is comprised of the secondhook will be further referred to hereafter by the reference number 112d.

Hitch 84 may include a locking member that holds attachment latch handle112 in the unlatched position and in the latched position. The lockingmember comprises lock tab 112 d on the attachment latch handle 112 and ahandle lock 116 that is located rearwardly of attachment latch handle112 on first side plate 86. Handle lock 116 has a body 116 a that ispivotally engaged with first side plate 86 by way of a bolt 118. Body116 a includes a first lock member 116 b, a second lock member 116 c,and a release arm 116 d. Each of the first lock member 116 b and secondlock member 116 c is configured to selectively engage lock tab 112 d onattachment latch handle 112 but first lock member 116 b is configured tocontact a different portion of lock tab 112 d than is second lock member116 c. Handle lock 116 also includes a spring 116 e (FIG. 7). A sectionof spring 116 e extends through an aperture 116 f defined in body 116 a.Spring 116 e biases handle lock 116 in a clockwise direction so thathandle lock 116 is urged to maintain attachment latch handle 112 into alatched position that is shown in FIG. 4.

First lock member 116 b comprises a slightly curved shoulder region ofhandle lock 116 that may be brought into contact with a terminal end ofthe hook shape of lock tab 112 d. This is shown in FIG. 17A. When thecurved shoulder region of first lock member 116 b contacts the terminalend of lock tab 112 d, attachment latch handle 112 is prevented fromrotating in the direction indicated by arrow “E” in FIG. 17A by thehandle lock 116. Attachment latch handle 112 is thereby locked in thelatched position by handle lock 116. Attachment latch handle 112 wouldtheoretically still be able to rotate in the opposite direction to arrow“E” except that an inside edge of handle 112 c contacts stop 114extending outwardly from first side plate 86. Stop 114 prevents rotationof attachment latch handle 112 in the opposite direction to arrow “E”.

In order to release attachment latch handle 112 from the lockedposition, handle lock 116 must be rotated in the direction indicated byarrow “F” in FIG. 17A. Rotation in the direction “F” moves first lockmember 116 b downwardly and away from the terminal end of lock tab 112d. Attachment latch handle 112 is then able to rotate in the directionof arrow “E”. Rotation in the direction “F” is made possible by anoperator physically pushing on release arm 116 d and causing handle lock116 to move in the direction “F”.

Second lock member 116 c of handle lock 116 is shaped like a hook and isconfigured to interlock with the hook-shape of lock tab 112 d. FIG. 17Bshows the attachment latch handle 112 rotating in the direction of arrow“E”. This is made possible because handle lock 116 has been physicallyrotated in the direction of arrow “F as described above and this hascaused first locking member 116 b to pivot downwardly and away from locktab 112 d. Rotation of handle lock 116 in the direction of arrow “F” iscontinued until the hook shape of second lock member 116 c slides pastthe terminal end of lock tab 112 d and then into the space between thehook shape and the rest of body 112 a. When second lock member 116 c isinterlocked with lock tab 112, then attachment latch handle 112 is ableto rotate in the direction of arrow “E” until first latch 112 b contactsstop 114. Rotation in the opposite direction to arrow “E” is preventedby second lock member 116 c being interlocked with lock tab 112 d.Handle lock 116 therefore holds attachment latch handle 112 in theunlatched position.

Hitch 84 may further form a part of a weight transfer system 34 providedon power unit 10. Weight transfer system 34 may allow for varyingamounts of the weight of the implement 80 to be transferred fromimplement 80 and onto power unit 10 rather than that weight beingcarried by implement 80. The degree to which weight is to be transferredto the power unit 10 may be selected by the operator manipulatingcontrols on control panel 24, as will be discussed later herein. Thetransfer of weight from the attachment to power unit 10 may help toimprove traction of power unit 10 as it moves through snow by placingmore weight on front wheels 14 a. In addition, because more weight iscarried by power unit 10, less force is placed on the skid shoes ofimplement 80. This tends to reduce wear on the skid shoes and helpspower unit 10 move over bumps and cracks in the surface “S” over whichpower unit 10 travels.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, weight transfer system 34 includes a first slot120 defined in second side plate 88. First slot 120 extends between aninterior surface and an exterior surface of second side plate 88 andincludes a first leg 120 a that is generally horizontally oriented.Starting at a forwardmost end and moving rearwardly, at a front end,first slot 120 includes a first arm 120 b that is generally verticallyoriented, a second arm 120 c that is generally vertically oriented andlocated a distance rearwardly of first arm 120 b, a rise 120 d that islocated a distance rearwardly of second arm 120 c, and at a rearmostend, a generally horizontally-oriented third arm 120 e.

Weight transfer system 34 also includes a second slot 122 that isdefined in second side plate 88 a distance vertically downwardly fromand rearwardly relative to first slot 120. Second slot 122 extendsbetween the interior and exterior surfaces of second side plate 88.Second slot 122 includes a generally horizontally-oriented leg 122 aand, moving from a forwardmost end to a rearmost end, second slot 122also includes a first recess 122 b, a second recess 122 c, and an arm122 d. First and second recesses 122 b, 122 c are located along anuppermost edge of leg 122 a. Arm 122 d angles upwardly away from leg 122a and curves slightly as it does so.

As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, a bracket 124 extends outwardly from theinterior surface of second side plate 88. Bracket 124 defines a slot 126therein that is substantially identical to and aligned with second slot122. As such, slot 126 includes a generally horizontally-oriented leg126 a and, moving from a forwardmost end to a rearmost end, slot 126also includes a first recess 126 b, a second recess 126 c, and an arm126 d. First and second recesses 126 b, 126 c are located along anuppermost edge of leg 126 a. Arm 126 d angles upwardly away from leg 126a and curves slightly as it does so.

Weight transfer system 34 further includes at least one shaft 128 (FIGS.9 and 10) that is pivotally mounted to frame 12 and has a first end 128a and a second end 182 b. The at least one shaft 128 is configured toengage a bracket 129. Bracket 129 includes a first plate 129 a that islaterally spaced from a second plate 129 b. Plates 129 a, 129 b aregenerally parallel to each other and extend outwardly from a base plate129 c in a first direction. Base plate 129 c may be generally triangularwhen viewed from above. A flange 129 d extends outwardly from base plate129 c in an opposite direction to plates 129 a, 129 b. Flange 129 d islocated intermediate plates 129 a, 129 b. When viewed from a side (suchas in FIG. 9), bracket 129 has a generally “open-L” shape. Each of theplates 129 a, 129 b define a hole there and these holes are aligned witheach other. Flange 129 d also defines a holes therein.

The at least one shaft 128 is inserted through a compression spring 130that has a first end 130 a and a second end 130 b. A first end of the atleast one shaft 128 includes a first sleeve 128 a having a bore definedtherein. A fastener 132 passes through a bore of the first sleeve 128 aand secures the first end 128 a of the at least one shaft 128 betweentwo parts of frame 12. Hook 130 a at the first end of spring 130 ispassed around a portion of the circumference of first sleeve 128 a. Thesecond end 128 b of the at least one shaft 128 includes a second sleeve128 b. Sleeve 128 b defines a bore therein. A fastener 134 is insertedthrough a portion of slot 126 in second side plate 88, through plate 192b, through the bore of second sleeve 128 b, through plate 192 a, througha bore of a spacer 128 b′ and through a portion of second slot 122 inbracket 124 to secure sleeve 128 b to bracket 124 and to second sideplate 88. Hook 130 b at the second end of spring 130 passes around aportion of the circumference of second sleeve 128 b.

An adjustment bolt 136 is inserted through the hole defined in flange129 d and is utilized to secure flange 129 d to second side plate 88. Ashaft 136 a of adjustment bolt 136 extends through a portion of firstslot 120 and through the hole (not shown) defined in flange 129 d.Appropriate washers and nuts secure adjustment bolt 136 in place.Adjustment bolt 136 includes a knob 136 b. Knob 136 b may be rotated ina first direction when it is desired to transfer weight from implement80 and onto power unit 10. Rotating knob 136 b in the first directionreleases adjustment bolt 136 to travel along first slot 120. Theactuation of weight transfer system 34 will be later described herein.When actuated however, fastener 134 is able to move along the alignedsecond slot 122 and slot 126 and therefore the orientation of the atleast one shaft 128 is changed. In a first position, fastener 134 may belocated in the aligned first recesses 122 b, 126 b. In a secondposition, fastener 134 may be located in the aligned second recesses 122c, 126 c. In a third position, fastener 134 may be located somewherealong the aligned arms 122 d, 126 d. As fastener 134 travels along thealigned second slot 122 and slot 126, adjustment bolt 136 travels alongfirst slot 120. For example, when fastener 134 is in the third position,adjustment bolt 136 is located in third arm 120 e of first slot 120.When fastener 134 is in the second position, adjustment bolt 136 islocated in second arm 120 c. When fastener 134 is in the first position,adjustment bolt 136 is located in first arm 120 b.

In each instance, when fastener 134 is placed in a desired one of thefirst second or third positions, the adjustment knob 136 b is rotated ina second direction to lock adjustment bolt 136 in place and therebyprevents further movement of adjustment bolt 136 in first slot 120. Whenmovement of adjustment bolt 136 in first slot 120 is stopped by rotatingadjustment knob 136 b in the second direction, then movement of fastener132 along second slot 122 and slot 126 is halted. It should be notedthat wherever fastener 134 is located along slots 122, 126, fastener 134is the pivot axis for rotation of hitch 84. Spring 130 helps to supporthitch 84 and keep the same balanced and leveled during operation ofimplement 80.

As indicated earlier herein, the weight transfer system 34 may allow theweight of an installed implement 80 to be shifted rearwardly towards therear 10 b of power unit 10, placing more weight over the front wheels 14a. This rearward transfer of weight helps to increase traction of frontwheels 14 a while in operation and also helps to shift the center ofgravity of power unit 10 rearwardly, thereby making power unit 10 morebalanced during operation.

FIGS. 7 and 8 shows an arm 138 positioned adjacent an exterior surfaceof second side plate 88. Arm 138 is pivotally secured to second sideplate 88 by lower crossbar 94. A leading end of arm 138 is shaped into ahook that is substantially similar or identical to the hook onadjustment latch handle 112 that forms first latch 112 b. The leadingend of arm 138 therefore comprises a second latch 138 a on hitch 84.First and second latches 112 b, 138 a are utilized to operatively engageattachment frame 85 as will be later described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 4-15, attachment frame 85 may include a firstupright member 140 and a second upright member 142 that are spaced apartand therebetween define a transverse direction. First and second uprightmembers 140, 142 may be fixedly separated by an upper cross-member 144and a lower cross-member 146 that are vertically spaced apart from eachother.

According to one aspect, one or more of first upright member 140, secondupright member 142, upper cross-member 144, and lower cross-member 146may form a sealed storage system that may be utilized as fluid tanks.According to this aspect, one or more of first or second upright member140, 142 or upper cross-member 144 may include a fill spout and cap 140a. Cap 140 a may be removed to allow fluid to be adding to the sealedstorage system. According to this aspect, in instances where one or moreframe members are utilized as a fluid tank, one or more hoses may beoperationally attached thereto for delivery of fluid to the appropriatesystems as chosen by a person of skill according to the desiredapplication of power unit 10. These hoses are omitted from the drawings,but may include hydraulic hoses, fuel hoses, or water hoses depending onthe fluid carried in the fluid tank. The hoses may be high pressurehoses, or any other hose as chosen by a person of skill in the art.

Attachment frame 85 may further include a first support member 148 andsecond vertical support member 150. First vertical support member 148may include a first upper hitch plate 148 a and a first lower hitchplate 148 b. First upper hitch plate 148 a may be located proximateupper cross-member 144 and first lower hitch plate 148 b may be locatedproximate lower cross-member 146. First upper hitch plate 148 a may be agenerally L-shaped bracket that includes a generally vertical leg 148 cand a generally horizontal leg 148 d. First upper hitch plate 148 a maybe oriented such that vertical leg 148 c is located closest to secondsupport member 150. Horizontal leg 148 d defines a slot 148 e thereinthat extends from an upper surface of leg 148 d to a lower surfacethereof. Slot 148 e is shaped and sized to permit first hitch tab 86 bto be received therethrough.

First lower hitch plate 148 b may be generally rectangular in shape andmay be angled slightly downwardly from horizontal. First lower hitchplate 148 b may define a slot 148 f therein that extends between anupper surface and a lower surface of first lower hitch plate 148 b. Slot148 f may be shaped and sized so as to be able to receive first latch112 b therein when hitch 84 and attachment frame 85 are engaged witheach other.

First vertical support member 148 further includes a rearwardly facingsurface 148 g and an interior side surface 148 h. The relevance ofsurfaces 148 g and 148 h will be discussed later herein.

Second vertical support member 150 may include a second upper hitchplate 150 a and a second lower hitch plate 150 b. Second upper hitchplate 150 a may be located proximate upper cross-member 144 and secondlower hitch plate 150 b may be located proximate lower cross-member 146.Second upper hitch plate 150 a may be a generally L-shaped bracket thatincludes a vertical leg 150 c and a horizontal leg 150 d. Second upperhitch plate 150 a may be oriented such that vertical leg 150 c islocated closest to first support member 148. Horizontal leg 150 ddefines a slot 150 e therein that extends from an upper surface of leg150 d to a lower surface thereof. Slot 150 e is shaped and sized topermit second hitch tab 88 a to be received therethrough.

Second lower hitch plate 150 b may be generally rectangular in shape andmay be angled slightly downwardly from horizontal. Second lower hitchplate 150 b may define a slot 150 f therein that extends between anupper surface and a lower surface of second lower hitch plate 150 b.Slot 150 f may be shaped and sized so as to be able to receive secondlatch 138 a therein when hitch 84 and attachment frame 85 are engagedwith each other.

Second vertical support member 150 further includes a rearwardly facingsurface 150 g and an interior side surface 150 g. Interior side surface150 g is laterally spaced apart from interior side surface 148 g offirst vertical support member 150. A space 151 (FIG. 11) is definedbetween interior side surface 148 g and interior side surface 150 g. Asshown in FIG. 7, an exterior surface of first side plate 86 of hitch 84is spaced a distance “L1” apart from an exterior surface of second sideplate 88. As shown in FIG. 11, interior side surface 148 g is spaced adistance “L2” apart from interior side surface 150 g. Distance “L2” isslightly larger than distance “L1”. When hitch 84 engages attachmentframe 85, a front end of hitch 84 is nested into space 151 and isreceived between interior side surfaces 148 g, 150 g. This nestingbetween the hitch 84 and attachment frame 85 helps ensure lateralstability in the engagement and helps ensure that the two componentremain aligned with each other at all times when they are engaged andreduces the tendency of the attachment frame 85 to twist out ofengagement with hitch 84 during operation of implement 80. It will beunderstood that in other examples, hitch 84 and attachment frame 85 maybe configured such that the first and second vertical mounts 148, 150may nest between the interior surfaces of first and second side plates86, 88 of hitch 84.

As best seen in FIG. 11, a pulley housing 152 may be provided onattachment frame 85. In particular, pulley housing 152 may be providedon lower cross-member 146 in a location between first and second uprightmembers 140, 142. Pulley housing 152 may extend outwardly and rearwardlyfrom lower cross-member 146. A pulley 154 may be mounted for rotationwithin pulley housing 152. A pump 155 is mounted on pulley housing 152as shown in FIG. 11, or is mounted adjacent to pulley housing 152. Pump155 is operatively engaged with a hydraulic motor 157 (FIG. 1) providedon implement 80. Pump 155 may further be operatively engaged withattachment frame 85 and specifically may be connected by hoses to thefluid tanks that are provided by one or more of first upright member140, second upright member 142, upper cross member 144, and lower crossmember 146.

In one aspect, the pulley 154 may be arranged so as to be rotatableabout an axis that is oriented at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”of power unit 10. Pulley housing 152 defines an opening 152 a throughwhich an attachment belt 156 enters and exits pulley housing 152.Attachment belt 156 is one of two drive belts provided on power unit 10as disclosed herein. Attachment belt 156 (FIGS. 5 and 16) wraps around aportion of the circumference of pulley and when attachment belt 156moves (as will be described later herein), pulley 154 is rotated aboutits rotational axis. Pulley housing 152, pulley 154, and attachment belt156 may form a part of power transfer system 36. Specifically, pulleyhousing 152, pulley 154, and attachment belt 156 may form a part of anattachment belt-drive system that is part of the power transfer system36. Pulley 154 is operationally connected to one or more of a pump 155(either a hydraulic pump or an electric pump), a motor 157, or the likeprovided on implement 80 and the rotating pulley 154 powers the one ormore of the pump 155 and motor 157. The operation of pulley 154 andattachment belt 156 is discussed further herein with reference to thepower transfer system 36.

In order to describe the other components that form part of attachmentassembly 85, implement 80 is described in greater detail. FIGS. 1-15show that implement 80 is a powered broom. Powered broom 80 may comprisea brush wheel 158 that may extend transversely across power unit 10.Brush wheel 158 is mounted for rotation about an axle 160. Rotation ofthe brush wheel 158 may be controlled by an electric motor, a hydraulicmotor, or any other means as chosen by a person of skill. The electricmotor, hydraulic motor or other means of powering powered broom 80 maybe dedicated to powering broom 80. Alternatively, the engine 26 may beoperatively engaged with powered broom 80 to power the same.

Powered broom 80 may further include a housing 162 that may contain andpartially surround brush wheel 158. Housing 162 has a front end 162 a, arear end 162 b, a left side 162 c, and a right side 162 d. Brush wheel158 is mounted within housing 162 such that a portion thereof extendsdownwardly below a bottom edge of housing 162. Housing 162 servesseveral purposes including protecting brush wheel 158, mounting axle160, and directing debris, such as snow and ice, forward and away frompower unit 10 when powered broom 80 is in operation.

Housing 162 may also serve as the forward-most portion 80 a (FIG. 1) ofattachment and provides a base upon which several other components aremounted or in which other components are housing. Housing 162 madeinclude a mounting reinforcement plate 164 (FIG. 5) that includes afirst mounting point 166 and a second mounting point 167. A top ofhousing 162 may include a mounting reinforcement plate 165 that includesa first forward mounting point 166 and a second forward mounting point167. Mounting reinforcement plate 164 may be fixedly attached to the top162 e of housing 162 to provide additional structural strength andsupport. First forward mounting point 166 may be engaged centrally onhousing 162 to serve as a central pivot point for turning implement 80to the left or to the right. Second forward mounting point 167 may beoffset from first forward mounting point 166. According to one aspect,second forward mounting point 167 may be offset to the left of firstforward mounting point 166, when viewed mounting reinforcement plate 164is viewed from above.

Implement 80 further includes an attachment frame 168 that includes anarcuate frame member 168, a crosspiece 170, and left and right supportribs 172, 174. Arcuate frame member 168 may be generally C-shaped whenviewed from above and crosspiece 170 extends across an opening to theC-shape. Crosspiece 170 may extend in a transverse direction across therear of housing 162 and may be fixedly attached to housing 162 therebyproviding additional structural support thereto and serving as anattachment point for arcuate frame member 168. According to one aspect,housing 162, crosspiece 170 and arcuate frame member 168 may be weldedtogether to form a single unit. As best seen in FIG. 8, the housing 162,arcuate frame member 168, and crosspiece 170 may be arranged in agenerally semi-circular shape. An opening to the semi-circle may faceforward in the direction of travel of power unit 10 when the power unitis moving in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 1. Left andright support ribs 172, 174 may be laterally spaced apart from eachother and extend in a longitudinal direction between arcuate framemember 168 and crosspiece 170 Support ribs 172 and 174 help strengthenthe connection between arcuate frame member 168 and crosspiece 170 andmay also serve as rotational limits for arcuate frame member 168 as willbe discussed in the operational section below. Attachment frame 168 mayfurther include a left gauge wheel 176 and right gauge wheel 178 thatmay be selectively adjusted to vary the operating height of implement80. Left and right gauge wheels 176, 178 may be detachably engaged witharcuate frame member 168 via connectors 180 (FIG. 5). This attachmentmay allow for height adjustment and pivoting of gauge wheels 176, 178 asnecessary for proper operation of implement 80. The left and right endsof arcuate frame member 168 may be elongated to accommodate the mountingof gauge wheels 176, 178.

With reference to FIGS. 5 6, and 12-15, arcuate frame member 176 mayfurther include a first bearing mount 182, a second bearing mount 184,and a third bearing mount 186. Each of the first, second, and thirdbearing mounts 182, 184, 186 may include one or more bearings 188 (FIG.12), a top plate 190, one or more bearing bolts 192, and a mountingplate 194 (FIG. 6). According to one aspect, each of first, second, andthird bearing mounts 182, 184, 186 may each include two bearings 188.Mounting plate 194 may have a top face 194 a (FIG. 13), a bottom face194 b, a first end 194 c (FIG. 6), and a second end 194 d. Top face 194a may be defined as the face of mounting plate 194 facing in an upwarddirection when installed, while bottom face 194 b may be defined as theface of mounting plate 194 facing downwards toward surface “S” wheninstalled. Mounting plate 194 may extend transversely under a rearmostend of arcuate frame member 176. Mounting plate 194 may comprise asingle, unitary component upon which all three bearing mounts 182, 184,and 186 are engaged.

Mounting plate 194 may have a spring attachment 194 e on its second end194 d that may connect to spring 212. The opposite end of spring 212 mayconnect to spring mounting plate 210 on attachment frame 85 and spring212 may bias implement 80 to level. Further, the inclusion of one ormore pivot stops 208 may define rotational limits of implement 80 toprevent over-rotation about the longitudinal axis, similar to left andright support ribs 172, 174 preventing over-rotation about the centralaxis of power broom 10.

As shown in FIG. 13, bearing mounts 182, 184, 186 are essentiallysandwiched between the associated top plate 190 and mounting plate 194.A first low friction pad 196 may be positioned between top plate 190 andan upper surface 168 a, lower surface 168 b, a rear arcuate edge 168 c,and a front arcuate edge 168 d of arcuate frame member 168 and an uppersurface of the associated bearing 188. A second low friction pad 196 maybe positioned between an upper surface 194 a of mounting plate 194 and alower surface 168 b of arcuate frame member 168 and a lower surface ofthe associated bearing 188. Top plate 190 is secured to mounting plateutilizing bearing bolts 192 that are inserted through top plate 190,through low friction pads 196, bearings 188, and mounting plate 194. Thecombination of bearing mounts 182, 184, and 186, mounting plate 194, theassociated top plate 190, and the low friction pads 196 creates a trackwithin which arcuate frame member 168 may be secured and may be rotated.Low friction pads 196 may facilitate movement between bearing mounts182, 184, 186 and arcuate frame member 176 by reducing frictiontherebetween. According to one aspect, low friction pads 196 may beplates of high density plastic with a low coefficient of friction. Byway of non-limiting example, low friction pads 196 may be constructed ofhigh density polyethylene (HDPE), which is known for its low coefficientof friction, self-lubricating properties, and long wear life.

As shown in FIG. 12, bearing mounts 182 and 186 are located towards arear edge of arcuate frame member 176, (i.e., proximate power unit 10).Bearing mount 184, on the other hand, is positioned towards a front edgeof arcuate frame member 176 and is thus offset relative to bearingmounts 182 and 186. This configuration aids in preventing arcuate framemember from moving in a forward direction or a rearward direction as itrotates within the track created by top plate 194, low friction pads196, bearings 188, and mounting plate 194. Each bearing 188 withinbearing mounts 182, 184, 186, may rotate relative to arcuate framemember 176.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 12 and 13 a pivot sleeve 200 may be welded tobottom face 194 b of mounting plate 194. Pivot sleeve 200 may be anelongated tube that is open at both ends, with a forward end 200 aextending outwardly beyond the second bearing mount 184. A rear end 200b of pivot sleeve 200 sits flush with, or extends slightly beyond a rearedge of mounting plate 194. A support gusset 195 (FIG. and 13) is weldedto bottom face 194 b of mounting plate 194 and to sleeve 200. Supportgusset 195 aids in providing structural rigidity to the engagement ofsleeve 200 and mounting plate 194.

A pivot bar 202 is received within a bore defined in pivot sleeve 200. Aregion of pivot bar 202 extends forwardly beyond first end 200 a ofsleeve 200 and a distance rearwardly of second end 200 b of sleeve 200.Pivot bar 202 may be a solid bar capable of supporting the full weightof implement 80. Pivot bar 202 has a front end 202 a and a rear end 202b with rear end 202 b being fixedly secured to a rear abutment 147 andto lower cross-member 146. A portion of pulley housing 152 may be seatedon top of and be welded to a top region of the rear end 200 b of sleeve200. This is illustrated in FIG. 17A.

As indicated above, pivot bar 202 has a length greater than a length ofpivot sleeve 200 such that front end 202 a of pivot bar 202 extendsoutwardly beyond forward end 200 a of pivot sleeve 200. Front end 202 aof pivot bar 202 may define a bore 202 c therein that is oriented atright angles to the length of pivot bar 202 and a cotter pin 204 may beplaced through bore 202 c to prevent pivot sleeve 200 from sliding offfrom pivot bar 202.

According to one aspect, pivot bar 202 may have an exterior diameterthat is sufficiently small enough relative to an interior diameter ofthe bore of pivot sleeve 200 that a first bushing 206 a and a secondbushing 206 b may be positioned between the exterior surface of pivotsleeve 200 and the interior surface of pivot sleeve 200 that defines thebore. First bushing 206 a is located proximate a free end of pivotsleeve 200 that terminates in forward end 200 a. A washer 207 may belocated forwarded of forward end 200 a and cotter pin 204 may beseparated from washer 207 by a gap 203. Second bushing 206 b is locatedproximate rear end 200 b of pivot sleeve 200 and abutment plate 147 isprovided between bushing 206 b and lower cross member 46. Abutment plate147 may be welded to lower cross member 46. Bushings 206 a, 206 b mayprovide a tight fit between pivot bar 202 and pivot sleeve 200 whileallowing rotational movement therebetween. According to one aspect,bushings 206 a, 206 b may be constructed of high density plastic with alow coefficient of friction, such as HDPE, similar to low friction pads196.

Attachment frame 85 may further include one or more pivot stops 208(FIG. 8) that extend rearwardly from attachment frame 85, particularlyfrom each of the first and second upright members 140, 142. Pivot stops208 define left and right rotational limits for implement 80.

Attachment frame 85 may further include a spring mounting plate 210(FIGS. 5, 6 & 8) and a spring 212. Spring mounting plate 210 may extendoutwardly from a front surface of second upright member 142, forexample. Spring 212 is operatively engaged at a first end with springmounting plate 210 and at second end to mounting plate 194. Second end194 d of mounting plate 194 may include a spring attachment 194 e. Inone aspect, spring attachment point 194 e may comprise an aperture thatis defined in mounting plate 194 and a hooked end of spring 212 may beinserted through this aperture to secure spring 212 to mounting plate194. Spring 212 may bias implement 80 to a level/stable position duringtransport, as discussed with regards to the operation of implement 80below.

Upper cross-member 144 of attachment frame, as utilized with power broom80, may include a first rearward mounting point 214 spacedlongitudinally apart from the first forward mounting point 166 onmounting attachment plate 164. Similarly, upper cross-member 144 mayinclude a second rearward mounting point 216 on a mounting plate 149(FIG. 5) that is welded to a forward region of upper cross member 144.Second rearward mounting point 216 is spaced longitudinally apart fromsecond forward mounting point 167 on mounting attachment plant 164.

As shown in FIGS. 4 & 5, implement 80 may include a longitudinal supportmember 218 that is operatively engaged, at a first end, with firstforward mounting point 166 on mounting attachment plate 164 by aconnector 220. Connector 220 is inserted through aligned holes definedin longitudinal support member 218 and in mounting attachment plate 164at the first forward mounting point 166. The connector 220 defines avertical pivot axis about which the implement 80 may rotate.Longitudinal support member 218 is operatively engaged, at a second end,with first rearward mounting point 214 provided on attachment frame 85by a connector 222.

Connector 220 engages the first end of longitudinal support member 218and first forward mounting point 166 to each other in such a manner thatlongitudinal support member 218 is permitted to flex or rotate about theconnector 220. The specific type of connector 220 utilized for securinglongitudinal support member 218 to first forward mounting point 166 maybe chosen according to the desired application of implement 80. Forexample, the connector 220 may comprise a modified ball and socket stylejoint. Alternatively, a diameter of the hole defined in longitudinalsupport member 218 may be sized to be greater than a diameter ofconnector 220. This disparity in diameters may allow a degree of “slop”or movement between the hole in longitudinal support member 218 and theconnector 220.

By way of yet another non-limiting example, the hole defined inlongitudinal support member 210 may include a flexible bushing that mayallow relative movement between longitudinal support member 218 andmounting attachment plate 164 while maintaining a tight connectionbetween longitudinal support member 218 and plate 164.

The second end of longitudinal support member 218 may be connected tofirst rearward mounting point 214 by a similar or identical connector222 to connector 220. Connector 222 may allow a similar flexing movementof the second end of longitudinal support member 218 as occurs at thefirst end of longitudinal support member 218. This flexing motion mayfurther facilitate rotational movement of implement 80 about thelongitudinal pivot axis defined by pivot bar 202 and pivot sleeve 200,as discussed further herein.

Second forward mounting point 167 and second rearward mounting point 216may be operationally engaged with each other by way of a hydrauliccylinder and piston 224. The piston is operatively engaged with secondforward mounting point 167 and the cylinder may be operative engagedwith second rearward mounting point 216, or vice versa. A connector 226secures piston to second forward mounting point 167. Another connector228 secures cylinder to second rearward mounting point 216. Hydrauliccylinder and piston 224 may be actuated to cause implement 80 to pivotabout the vertical axis “Z” (FIG. 14) defined by the first forwardmounting point 166. This pivoting movement is discussed in depth below,but may be best seen in FIGS. 14-15.

With reference to FIG. 16, power transfer system 36 is shown. Powertransfer system 36 (commonly known as a power take-off (PTO)) may directpower from engine 26 to implement 80 if power is required to manipulateand/or operate implement 80. Previously known power take-off systemsused in skid steer-type vehicles are hydraulically driven or utilize asolid drive shaft. These PRIOR ART systems are costly, difficult tomaintain and repair, and in some instances may rob the vehicle of powerduring operation.

Power transfer system 36 disclosed herein is a belt-driven system thathas two cooperating belt-drive sections, namely, a first belt-drivesystem that is provided on the power unit 10 and a second belt-drivesystem that is provided on the implement 80. First belt-drive system maybe carried on power unit 10 regardless of the presence of implement 80installed on power unit 10. The first belt-drive system and the secondbelt-drive system overlap in one region (that will be described below).The first belt-drive system is powered and that power is transferred tothe second belt-drive system in the region where the first and secondbelt-drive systems overlap each other.

First belt-drive system may include an engine pulley 230 that isoperatively engaged with engine 26, a power take-off drive belt 232 (PTOdrive belt 232), a first pulley 234, a double pulley 236, and a firsttensioner pulley 238. PTO drive belt 232 is one of two drive beltsdisclosed for use with power unit, the other drive belt being attachmentbelt 156. PTO drive belt 232 is part of the first belt-drive system andis configured to move along a first drive path that is located entirelyon power unit 10. Attachment belt 156 is part of the second belt-drivesystem and is configured to move along a second drive path that islocated and operated partially on power unit 10 and partially onimplement 80. Double pulley 236 forms part of each of the first beltpath and the second belt. Particularly, double pulley 236 is the overlapbetween first belt path and second belt path and is the component thatis utilized to take power from the first belt path and transfer thatpower to the second belt path. Double pulley 236 may instead be replacedby two single pulleys that are mounted to a jackshaft or any other meansof coupling an engine to a pulley and which serves as a means to connectthe second drive belt to the first belt path. In other words, doublepulley 236 is one example of a connector mechanism that links the firstbelt path and the second belt path.

PTO drive belt 232 may be a known belt type, including, but not limitedto, a flat belt, a v-belt, a round belt, a multi-grooved belt, a toothedbelt, or a ribbed belt. PTO drive belt 232 may form a continuous loopand may have a belt path that circles around the engine pulley 230, overfirst pulley 234, under double pulley 236, over first tensioner pulley238, and back to engine pulley 230. First pulley 234 may be mounted onframe 12 of power unit 10 in such a manner as to change an orientationof PTO drive belt 232 through an angle of from about seventy degrees upto about eighty degrees. Specifically, when PTO drive belt 232 passesaround first pulley 234, PTO drive belt 232 may make a seventy-fourdegree turn as it passes over first pulley 234, changing the path fromhorizontal to vertical. This is a first of two turns in the first drivepath. First tensioner pulley 238 may also be mounted on frame 12 ofpower unit 10 in such a manner as to change an orientation of PTO drivebelt 232 through an angle of from about seventy degrees up to abouteight degrees. Specifically, PTO drive belt 232 may also make a secondseventy-four degree turn as it passes over first tensioner pulley 238,placing belt back into a horizontal path as it returns to engine pulley230. In other words, whatever angle of turn in PTO drive belt 232 byfirst pulley 234, first tensioner pulley 238 should be mounted to causesame size angle turn to return PTO drive belt 232 to be in the correctorientation to return and move around engine pulley 230.

Each of engine pulley 230, first pulley 234, double pulley 236, andfirst tensioner pulley 238 may have a groove in which PTO drive belt 232sits when engaged with each respective component. Double pulley 236 mayhave a pair of parallel grooves, only one of which engages PTO drivebelt 232. The second groove, i.e. the groove not engaged with PTO drivebelt 232, is discussed further below.

First tensioner pulley 238 may be operatively engaged with a firsttension spring 240 which may bias first tensioner pulley 238 against PTOdrive belt 232 to help keep PTO drive belt 232 engaged with allcomponents during operation.

Each component of first belt-drive system may be mounted to tractorframe 12 of power unit 10 utilizing known techniques, including the useof mounting plates or additional frame members as necessary. It will beunderstood by a person of skill in the art that the mounting of eachindividual component may be modified according to the desired use.

According to one embodiment, first pulley 234 and first tensioner pulley238 may be mounted to tractor frame 12 of power unit 10 while doublepulley 236 may be mounted to rear support member 96 of hitch 84. In oneaspect, double pulley 236 may be mounted on frame 12 in a location thatwill place double pulley 236 generally between first side plate 86 andsecond side plate 88. Double pulley 236 is secured to frame 12 via oneor more mounting plates 242.

Second belt-drive system may include pulley 154, pulley housing 152, anattachment belt 156, double pulley 236, and a second tensioner pulley244. Attachment belt 156 may also be any known belt type, however, it isadvantageous to utilize similar or identical belt types for bothattachment belt 156 and PTO drive belt 232. Attachment belt 156 may forma continuous loop and have a belt path that travels around pulley 154,around the second groove of double pulley 236, and under secondtensioner pulley 244 as it makes the loop between pulley 154 and doublepulley 236. Second tensioner pulley 244 may be operatively engaged withan adjustable tension spring 246 that includes a spring arm 246 aextending therefrom to engage tension adjustment plate 248. Tensionadjustment plate 248 may have multiple slots (not shown) defined thereinto receive spring arm 246 a. Adjustable tension spring 246 and springarm 246 a may also engage a spring catch plate 250 disposed behindadjustable tension spring 246. Therefore, the combination of spring arm246 a, slots, and catch plate 250 may allow adjustment of the amount oftension second tensioner pulley 244 places on attachment belt 156.Specifically, the combination of spring arm 246 a, slots, and catchplate 250 may allow an operator to remove all tension from attachmentbelt 156 to aid when attaching and detaching implement 80 with powerunit 10, as discussed further herein. Additionally, the space betweenpulley 154 and double pulley 236 may vary slightly depending on theimplement 80 installed. The ability to adjust the tension placed on theattachment belt 156 by second tensioner pulley 244 may allow attachmentbelt 156 to remain taut during operation of power unit 10.

Second tensioner pulley 244, adjustable tension spring 246, and tensionadjustment plate 248 may be mounted to hitch 84. In one example, secondtensioner pulley 244, adjustable tension spring 246, and tensionadjustment plate 248 may be mounted to rear support member 96, alongsidemounting plate(s) 242 for double pulley 236. While this configurationcauses second tensioner pulley 244, adjustable tension spring 246, andtension adjustment plate 248 to be carried by power unit 10 regardlessof the presence of an installed implement 80, these components form apart of the second belt-drive system as they are not engaged oroperational unless implement 80 requiring power (and thereby having apulley 154 attached thereto) is installed on power unit 10.

Power is transferred from engine 26 to implement 80 from PTO drive belt232 to attachment belt 156 through double pulley 236. The use ofbelt-driven power transfer system 36 lowers manufacturing costs and mayreduce maintenance costs and downtime as belts are faster and easier toreplace, require little operational maintenance (when compared with adrive shaft or a hydraulic PTO systems). A belt-driven power transfersystem 36 is also less expensive to install on power unit 10 and/or toreplace at the end of the usable life of the belts.

With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, implement 80 may be a snowplow 82instead of a rotatable broom. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS.18A and 18B, arcuate frame member 168 may be omitted and the attachmentframe 85 may include a central upper mounting plate 348 d and centrallower mounting plate 354 that extends forwardly therefrom. A second endof each of central upper mounting plate 252 and central lower mountingplate 254 may connect to a vertical support bar 356 provided on the rearend of snowplow blade 358. Support bar 356 may define a vertical pivotaxis about which plow 82 may rotate. First end of central upper andcentral lower mounting plates 348 d, 354 may define elongated slotstherein that are positioned and configured to receive first and secondhitch tabs 86 b, 88 a, and first and second latches 112 b, 138 a ofhitch 84 therein. Central lower mounting plate 354 may further includean attachment point (not shown) for one end of a hydraulic cylinder andpiston 360 to cause rotation of plow 82 about the vertical pivot axisdefined by vertical support bar 356. Plow 82 may have other knownfeatures and elements as desired by a person of skill in the art,including but not limited to, trip features and mechanisms, adjustableskid shoes, replaceable wear edges, and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 19-21, particulate material spreader system 28is shown. Particulate material spreader system 28 comprises a dropspreader 262. Drop spreader 262 may be a completely independent unitthat is separate from power unit 10 and is selectively engagedtherewith. Drop spreader 262 may also be omitted from power unit or inother instances may be selectively removed from power unit 10 (as shownin FIG. 21). Drop spreader 262 may include a motor 264, a drive chainthat is located beneath a shroud 266, an auger 268, and a materialtrough 270. The drive chain is driven by motor 264 to rotate auger 268in order to move particulate materials through trough 270. The auger 268is actuatable to move the particulate materials along the materialtrough 270 in a direction moving towards one of the left side and theright side of the frame 12. An entrance opening is provided proximate atop end 262 a of spreader 262 and as indicated by arrows “N”,particulate materials may be loaded into trough 270 from either side ofpower unit 10. A slot is provided proximate a bottom end 262 b ofspreader 262 to allow particulate materials to exit trough 270 and dropdirectly downwardly and onto surface “S”. Drop spreader 262 may hold anddistribute particulate matter such as salt, sand, cinders, or the like,therefrom when in operation.

As shown and described herein and in connection with power unit 10, dropspreader 262 may be adapted to fit within an opening 272 (FIG. 21)defined in tractor frame 12 of power unit 10. Drop spreader 262 mayextend transversely through tractor frame 12 and extend beyond the outerlimits of tractor frame 12, as seen in FIG. 18. This may allow theoperator access to the trough 270 to replenish particulate matter as itis depleted. This extension also provides easy access to parts of thedrop spreader for maintenance and/or repair when required. At leastshroud 266 and possibly motor 264 of drop spreader 262 may also at leastpartially rest on the left front fender 16 a of power unit 10.

As is evident from FIG. 21, opening 272 is located between front wheels14 a and rear wheels 14 b. In PRIOR ART devices, broadcast-typeparticulate spreaders are typically located proximate the rear end of avehicle. Furthermore, the location of opening 272 is located below theupper mounting platform 12 a. The position of opening 272 thereforeresults in drop spreader 262 being located relative close to the surface“S”. The location of drop spreader 262 between front and rear wheels 14a, 14 b and the spreader's low placement on power unit 10 helps to lowerthe center of gravity of power unit 10 when drop spreader 262 is filledwith salt. Furthermore, the location of drop spreader 262 between frontwheels 14 a and rear wheels 14 b results in the weight of the spreader262 being more evenly distributed over the four wheels 14 a, 14 b. Thismay have the effect of providing additional traction to power unit 10 insnowy and icy conditions. Further, the position of opening 272 placesdrop spreader 262 between the front and rear wheels 14 relatively closeto the surface “S” to be treated with particulate materials and providesa direct path for the particulate materials to reach the surface “S”.Furthermore, particulate materials are dropped onto the surface “S”ahead of rear wheels 14 b and this may further enhance the traction ofpower unit 10 on surface “S”.

Drop spreader 262 may be bolted onto tractor frame 12 by insertingfasteners 274 (FIG. 19) through aligned apertures 262 c on spreader 262and 276 (FIG. 21) on frame 12. The use of fasteners 274 may allowspreader 262 to be quickly and easily detached from power unit 10 whennot needed or when it is necessary to perform additional maintenance onspreader 262 or power unit 10. The plate that initially covered hole 12f may be replaced when desired. When it is desired to reinstall spreader262, the operator will remove the plate to expose hole 12 f and willthen insert drop spreader 262 through the hole (or trough) in thedirection of arrow “P” (FIG. 21). Fasteners 274 are then used to quicklyand easily attach spreader 262 to power unit 10.

Drop spreader 262 may be operatively engaged with power unit 10 so thatthe distribution of particulate material therefrom is dependent on thespeed of power unit 10 traveling across surface “S” to be treated forits rate of spreading. In this instance, the operator may simply turnthe drop spreader 262 on and make no adjustments to the flow ofmaterials from the spreader during operation of power unit. When thetask is completed, the operator will then turn drop spreader 262 off.

With reference to FIG. 1, power unit 10 may include a liquid dispensingsystem 30. Liquid dispensing system 30 may be a known liquid dispensingsystem that includes a pressurized storage tank 278, one or more spraynozzles 280, pressurized hoses (not shown), and one or more pumps (notshown). Tank 278 is utilized to hold a quantity of brine that may beused to treat surface “S” for snow and ice removal. Alternatively, thebrine may be utilized as a preventative coating to pre-treat surface “S”to prevent snow and ice buildup. Storage tank 278 may be mountedanywhere on power unit 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, storage tank 278may be mounted to frame 12 at a location that is generally verticallyabove front wheels 14 a and forwardly of control panel 24. Tank 278 maybe a top-loading tank that has a cap 278 a in an upper region thereof.The cap 278 a may be unscrewed to permit brine to be added to tank 278and may be replaced when tank 278 is full. In some examples, tank 278may include a handle 278 b that permits tank 278 to be lifted upwardlyin order to remove tank 278 from power unit 10 or to place tank 278 ontopower unit 10.

It will be understood that hoses connect tank 278 to one or more spraynozzles 280. In one example, spray nozzles 280 may be located at thelower rear end of power unit 10 and on either side of operator platform18 (FIG. 2). In other examples, the one or more spray nozzles 280 may bemounted underneath the operator platform 18 on the rear 10 b of powerunit 10. This arrangement will allow liquid dispensing system 30 todeliver a brine solution to surface “S” behind power unit 10. In otherwords, the brine solution is delivered to surface “S” after the powerunit 10 has already driven over that surface “S” and moved on.

Locating spray nozzles 280 toward rear 10 b of power unit 10 allows forbrine to be sprayed from nozzles after power unit 10 has already movedon. This ensures that a more consistent coat of brine is left on surface“S” without tread marks from wheels 14 a, 14 b. As a result, surface “S”that is treated has a more consistent level of removal of snow and icetherefrom because the brine has been applied more evenly over surface“S” and has not been removed by wheels 14 a, 14 b. The placement ofspray nozzles 280 toward rear 10 b of power unit 10 also helps toincrease the life of power unit 10 because the salt-water mix will beless likely to adhere to the steel of the undercarriage (i.e., to theunderbelly of the frame 12).

Spray nozzles 280 may be configured to have variable spray patterns thatcan be readily adjusted by the operator according to the desired typeand location of application. According to one aspect, multiple nozzles280 may be operationally connected to liquid dispensing system 30 andshutoff valves may be installed inline to vary the spray pattern and/ora width of the spray path. The operator is able to select whether toplace brine on a 36″ or a 48″ wide ground surface and the spray patternand/or width of spray nozzles 280 will adjust accordingly. The width ofspray from spray nozzles 280 may therefore be varied to substantiallysuit a narrower sidewalk (36″) or a wider sidewalk or surface (48″).

A pressure valve may be provided on tank 278, or on spray nozzles 280,or somewhere in the hoses that connect tank 278 and spray nozzles 280together. The pressure valve helps to eliminate any brine exitingthrough nozzles 280 after the pump has shut off. This arrangement helpsto minimize waste as well as overspray that might kill grass and othervegetation on either side of surface “S” being treated.

Liquid dispensing system 30 may further include a hand sprayer 282 (FIG.3B) to allow operator to spray surfaces that cannot be covered orreached by spray nozzles 280. For example, steps or walkways that aretoo narrow to allow passage of power unit 10 or are laterally adjacentto one of the sides 10 c, 10 d of power unit 10 may be treated usinghand sprayer 282. Hand sprayer 282 may be positioned on power unit 10 sothat the end that may be held by the operator extends upwardly from thebrine tank and for a short distance over top 22 e of control panel 24.FIG. 1 shows a support member 284 that holds the end of hand sprayer 282(that includes a trigger 282 a) in a ready-position over top 22 e. Whenit is needful to use the hand-sprayer, the operator may simply removethe end of the hand sprayer 282 from support member 284, direct a nozzle(not shown) on an end of tube 282 b in a desired direction, and squeezethe trigger 282 a. It will be understood that hand sprayer 282 isconnected to brine tank 278 by a hose that is not illustrated in theattached figures. Tube 282 b may be substantially rigid so that thenozzle provided thereon is easily controlled and pointed in a desireddirection.

Having thus described the components and elements, the method ofoperation is now provided herein. Depending on the implement 80installed on power unit 10, hydraulic control lever 66 may have varyingfunctions which may be chosen by a person of skill in the art to bestcorrelate with the implement 80 chosen. Therefore, the functionsdescribed herein may not all be applicable with all foreseeableimplements 80 that may be engaged with power unit 10. Additionalfunctions not described herein may likewise be possible and applicable.It will thus be understood that modifications to the control system forhydraulic control lever 66 may be made if appropriate.

Hydraulic control lever 66 may move in multiple directions such asmoving along axes such as a left/right axis (x-axis) and aforward/rearward axis (Y-axis). Hydraulic control lever 66 may have afloat position that is substantially the point at which the x-axis andthe y-axis meet. This float position may be considered neutral for thehydraulic controls and will effect no movement of the correspondingimplement 80. According to a “standard” control scheme, moving hydrauliccontrol lever 66 along the x-axis may cause an associated implement 80to rotate from right to left or vice versa, while movement of hydrauliccontrol lever 66 along the y-axis may cause implement 80 to be raised orlowered, depending on whether the lever 66 is moved forwardly orrearwardly on control panel 24. According to one aspect, implement 80that is in contact with surface “S” may be raised (lifted off surface“S”) by pulling the hydraulic control lever 66 backwards (i.e., in adirection moving from front 10 a to rear 10 b of power unit 10. Once theimplement 80 has reached a desired height, hydraulic control lever 66may be allowed to float back to its neutral position, and implement 80will maintain its position until hydraulic control lever 66 is movedalong the y-axis again. To lower implement 80, hydraulic control leveris pushed forwardly (i.e., in a direction moving from rear 10 b to front10 a) until implement 80 rests on the surface “S”. Hydraulic controllever 66 may then be allowed to float back to its neutral position. Theimplement 80 will remain on the surface “S” until the hydraulic controllever 66 is moved along the y-axis again.

Implement 80 control will be discussed further below with regards to theoperation thereof.

Control panel 24 may include controls for the drop spreader 262 of theparticulate material spreader system 28 described herein, if such asystem 28 is provided on power unit 10. Motor 264 of drop spreader 262may be an electric motor 264 that may be connected to an auxiliary powerswitch on control panel 24, such as the third auxiliary power switch 58,for example. If the operator determines that operation of drop spreader262 is desired, third auxiliary power switch 58 may be toggled to the ONposition to power motor 264. The activation of motor 264 will cause thedrive chain (behind shroud 266) to rotate auger 268. Rotation of auger268 causes the release of particulate matter under power unit 10 througha transverse slot in bottom 262 b of drop spreader 262 and in thedirection of arrow “M”, i.e., directly onto surface “S”.

Once the store of particulate matter is depleted, or operation of dropspreader 262 is no longer desirable, operator may toggle third auxiliarypower switch 58 to the OFF position. As indicated earlier herein, theoperator may replenish the particulate material through the openings inthe top 262 a of drop spreader 262 as indicated by arrows “N” in FIG.20. It will be understood that covers may be provided to close offaccess to the trough 270 when drop spreader 262 has been replenished.

In instances where power unit 10 is equipped with liquid dispensingsystem 30, as described herein, operation thereof may likewise bemanaged by operator through control panel 24. Specifically, operation ofliquid dispensing system may involve delivery of power from engine 26 tobrine pumps (not shown) which may in turn deliver liquid from the tank278 to spray nozzles 280 and/or hand sprayer that is operable throughcontact with hand sprayer 282. Brine pumps may be operatively connectedto an auxiliary power switch on control panel 24, e.g. third auxiliarypower switch 58. Switch 58 may be toggled between an ON and OFF positionaccording to the judgment of the operator. If liquid dispensing system30 is desired to be used, once pumps are powered through operation ofthird auxiliary power switch 58, spray nozzles 280 may be powered on byplacing nozzle toggle switch 52 into the ON position. Fluid pressurewithin the liquid dispensing system 30 may be monitored via pressuregauge 50 and system may be turned ON or OFF as the operator deems itnecessary to spray brine on surface “S” or to cease applying brine tosurface “S” according to the conditions present.

In instances where both particulate material spreader system 28 andliquid dispensing system 30 are provided on power unit 10, thirdauxiliary power switch 58 may control one of these two systems while theother system may be connected to a separate auxiliary power switch.Control panel 24 is described herein as having four auxiliary powerswitches, (40, 42, 58, and 60), any of which may be assigned to controlany of optional electrical components and/or systems. For example, on apower unit equipped with headlights 48, rear work lights 46, particulatematter spreader system 28, and liquid dispensing system 30, each of thefirst through fourth auxiliary power switches 40, 42, 58, 60 may beassigned to one of these components/systems.

By way of a second non-limiting example, if each of the previous fouroptional components are provided on power unit 10, and a fifthcomponent, e.g. a powered implement 80, such as power broom 80, is alsoinstalled, a fifth auxiliary power switch (not shown) may be installedon control panel 24. It will be understood that each system and/orcomponent provided on power unit 10 should preferably have its owndedicated power control switch on control panel 24.

Power transfer system 36 may be controlled from control panel 24 byoperation of the PTO switch 56. Specifically, if implement 80 utilizingpower transfer system 36 is engaged with power unit 10, the operator maypull up on PTO switch 56 to engage power transfer system 36. Theengagement of power transfer system 36 may cause an electric clutch (notshown) to engage to rotate engine pulley 230 (FIG. 16) of the firstbelt-drive system of system 36, thereby operating PTO drive belt 232 toengage with first pulley 234, double pulley 236, and first tensionerpulley 238 and causing them to rotate. The rotation of double pulley 236causes attachment belt 156 in the second belt-drive system of system 36to power pulley 154 on implement 80, thereby providing power to theimplement 80. To disengage the power transfer system 36, the operatormay depress the PTO switch 56. This disengages the electric clutch andcauses the PTO drive belt 232 to stop operation. This, in turn, stopspower from being transferred to implement 80 and attachment ceases tooperate. So, in the case of powered broom 80, activation of the PTOtransfer system 36 causes brush wheel 158 to be rotated to clear snowfrom surface “S”. Deactivation of PTO transfer system 36 causes brushwheel 158 to stop rotating.

PTO switch 56 may include a safety mechanism wherein the engine 26cannot be started if power transfer system 36 is engaged. Therefore, ifPTO switch 56 is engaged and the operator steps off the operatorplatform 18 or otherwise turns off the engine 26, PTO switch 56 must bedepressed to disengage power transfer system 36 before the engine 26 maybe restarted.

Having thus described the general operation of power unit 10 and controlpanel 24, operation of the individual systems and components of powerunit 10 will now be described.

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, weight transfer system 34 may transferweight rearwardly from implement 80 to front wheels 14 a of power unit10. This rearward weight transfer may increase traction of front wheels14 a, aid in lifting the implement 80 off surface “S”, and tends toreduce resistance between the implement 80 and surface “S” while powerunit 10 is in operation. The operator may select three differenttransfer rates, represented by a first position 120 e of adjustment bolt136 in first slot 120, a second position 120 c of adjustment bolt 136 infirst slot 120, and a third position 120 b of adjustment bolt 136 infirst slot 120. The first position, 120 e, represents a zero weighttransfer, the third position 120 b represents a maximum weight transfer,and the second position 120 c represents a weight transfer rate halfwaybetween zero weight transfer and the maximum weight transfer. The totalrepresentative weight transferred by weight transfer system 34 will varydependent upon the implement 80 provided on power unit 10. The heavierthe implement 80, the more the transfer of weight onto front wheels 14 amay be beneficial, i.e., provides a most efficient and safest operationof power unit 10 and implement 80.

To utilize weight transfer system 34, the operator makes sure the powerunit is switched off and then raises the hitch 84 and implement 80 totheir highest position off surface “S” using hydraulic control lever 66as previously described herein. The operator will then loosen adjustmentbolt 136 and slide it along first slot 120 to the desired one of thefirst, second and third positions. Once in the desired position, theadjustment bolt 136 is then tightened so that the selected position ismaintained. Once the desired position is locked in, the operator maycontinue with normal operation of power unit 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the rotation of attachment frame85 (and therefore the movement of implement 80 to the left or right) isillustrated. While rotating an attachment from side-to-side is known,the left/right rotation of implement 80 herein is believed to be uniquein that the rotation of implement 80 occurs about a central axis definedby the first forward mounting point 166 on the brush wheel housing 162.The unique semi-circular shape of arcuate frame member 168 and itsinteraction with other frame components further facilitates this uniquerotation about the central axis and provides benefits discussed hereinrelative to the operation of implement 80.

The rotation of implement 80 may be controlled by operator using controlpanel 24, specifically hydraulic control lever 66, as discussedpreviously herein. Hydraulic control lever 66 is operatively engagedwith hydraulic cylinder 224. Rotation of implement 80 is hydraulicallycontrolled through hydraulic cylinder 224 that may be actuated toretract the piston thereof and pull implement 80 to the left or toextend the piston thereof and thereby push implement 80 to the rightwhen the operator moves the hydraulic control lever 66 along the x-axis.

In PRIOR ART implement control, particularly those devices that mayrotate between the left and the right, the axis of rotation is typicallylocated at a rear of the attachment. This placement may cause the entirePRIOR ART attachment, including all frame members connected therewith,to rotate in unison. In turn, the rotation of the entire PRIOR ARTattachment causes the leading edge thereof, i.e. the edge pointed mostforward once rotation has occurred, to move forward in front of thevehicle, and into the path of travel. For example, if a PRIOR ARTimplement, such as a snowplow blade or a broom is pivoted to the leftaccording to known operations, the right edge of the blade or broommoves forward and towards the center of the vehicle's path. The movementtowards the center of the vehicle's path exposes the vehicle's rightside wheels to a travel path that is not intended for snow and iceremoval and causes the PRIOR ART attachment to clear a path of snowand/or ice that is narrower than the full width of the PRIOR ARTattachment. This results in the machine have to move through additionalpasses to clear the same area, or results in leaving a portion of thearea un-cleared. This may be dangerous as most of these areas areroadways and/or sidewalks where people may be injured due to unsafedriving or walking conditions if snow or ice is not adequately removedtherefrom.

The operation of the presently described power unit 10 in pivoting theimplement 80 to the left or to the right differs from the PRIOR ARTdevices in that the provision of a centralized axis of rotation “Z” isforward of most of the attachment frame 85. This configuration allowsfor rotation of the implement 80 to occur with a nearly zero degreeradius. Accordingly, as clearly seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the edges ofimplement 80 remain outside of a plane “P1” that extends along left side10 c of power unit and outside of plane “P2’ that extends along rightside 10 d of power unit 12 when attachment 10 is turned to the left(FIG. 14) and when implement 80 is turned to the right (FIG. 15,respectively). As a consequence, the implement 80 clears a pathwaythrough snow and ice on surface “S” that is at least as wide as thewidth of implement 80 if facing straight forward such as in FIG. 5.

Furthermore, the semi-circularly shaped arcuate frame member 168 islocated entirely behind the axis of rotation and turns within the trackcreated by the combination of first, second, and third bearing mounts182, 184, and 186, mounting plate 194, and top plates 190. As hydrauliccylinder and piston 224 pushes or pulls brush wheel housing 162 to theleft or to the right, arcuate frame member 168 turns, causing bearings188 to rotate about their associated axes (defined by bearing bolts 192)to permit movement of arcuate frame member 168. Stops 208 function tolimit the extremes to which arcuate frame member 168 may rotate, whichin turn defines the limits to which implement 80 may rotate. Theprovision of stops 208 ensures that implement 80 does not over-rotateand cause damage to any components thereof, nor does it direct snow,ice, and debris in any undesired or unanticipated direction.

Keeping the edges of implement 80 outside the left and right sides 10 c,10 d of power unit 10 ensures that wheels 14 a, 14 b have the bestpossible traction with surface “S” as they travel over surface “S”behind implement 80 and therefore travel on a part of surface “S” thathas already been cleared of snow and ice by implement 80. This furtherensures clearing of the desired area of snow and ice in as few passes aspossible and therefore minimizes the operational time and cost of powerunit 10.

Implement 80 may further be rotated about a longitudinal axis that issubstantially parallel to the direction of travel of power unit 10. Thelongitudinal axis of rotation in question is defined by pivot bar 202and pivot sleeve 200. Specifically, pivot sleeve 200, as discussedabove, is fixedly attached to the bottom face 194 b of mounting plate194. Pivot bar 202 is inserted into the bore of pivot sleeve 200, andthe junction of pivot bar 202 and pivot sleeve 200 provides the onlyconnection between implement 80 and attachment frame 85. The ability topivot implement 80 about this longitudinal axis may allow implement 80to more closely follow the contours of surface “S” over which power unit10 is used. Again, this allows for a more complete snow and ice removalfrom surface “S”. Furthermore, when in raised transport, thelongitudinal pivot feature allows the implement 80 to remain level,preventing any snag accidents which may occur when one side of anattachment drops below the opposite side when an obstacle on the surface“S” is encountered.

The inclusion of slop or movement in the first and second forwardmounting points 166, 168, as previously discussed herein, furtherfacilitates rotation about the longitudinal axis. This movement inmounting points 166, 168 allows the hydraulic cylinder and piston 224and longitudinal support member 218 to move relative to the mountingpoints 166, 168. This aids in preventing damage that could otherwise becaused by rotation of implement 80.

Although described in relation to implement 80, it will be understoodthat the arcuate frame member 168, central axis, and associatedcomponents may be adapted to allow similar rotation with attachmentsother than the powered broom 80 or snowplow blade 82. Similar advantageswould be recognized in adapting this unique configuration to otherimplements that operate under similar constraints.

With reference to FIGS. 17A-D, the process of detaching implement 80from power unit 10 is shown. FIG. 17A shows the rearward section ofimplement 80 in engagement with power unit 10 i.e., in a locked positionwhere hitch 84 is locked to attachment frame 85. Specifically, FIG. 17Ashows hitch tab 86 b engaged within the slot 148 a (FIG. 5) of firstsupport member 148. This figure also shows first latch 112 b engaged inslot 148 f (FIG. 5) defined in second lower hitch plate 148 b. Theattachment latch handle 112 is in the forward and locked position, andlock tab 112 d is engaged with handle lock 116 in the locked position.This may be considered to be the “normal” operating position for theattachment frame 85, i.e., where implement 80 is engaged and may beoperated.

In order to disconnect the implement 80 from the hitch 84, the firststep is to make sure power unit 10 is parked on a level surface withparking brake 62 engaged and the implement 80 in a lowered positionwhere it rests on surface “S”. Once power unit 10 is in theaforementioned position, the engine 26 is shut off and any power to theimplement 80 (if provided) should be disengaged. Next, the operator mayrelease hydraulic pressure within the system by moving the hydrauliccontrol lever 66 left and right on the x-axis and any hydraulic linesgoing to the implement 80 from power unit 10 may be disconnected. Next,if the implement 80 is engaged with power transfer system 36, theadjustable tension spring 246 may be disengaged from the mounting plate242 and engaged with spring catch plate 250. This may serve to releaseall tension on the attachment belt 156 thereby allowing attachment belt156 to be removed from the double pulley 236. If implement 80 does notutilize power transfer system 36, the operator may skip the steps ofdisengaging the adjustable tension spring 246 and removing theattachment belt 156 as the components of power transfer system 36 arenot being utilized.

Next, as seen moving from FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B, the operator may rotatethe handle lock 116 counter-clockwise in the direction of arrow “F”(FIG. 17B) to disengage first lock member 116 b from lock tab 112 d.Simultaneously, operator may rotate attachment latch handle 112 rearward(clockwise and in the direction indicated by arrow “E”) about the axisdefined by lower crossbar 94 and engage locking tab 112 d with secondlock member 116 c. This removes first latch 112 b and second latch 140from engagement with elongated lower slots 148 f, 150 f (FIG. 11) withinfirst and second lower hitch plates 148, 150. The bottom portion ofhitch 84 is now disengaged from attachment frame 85, and therebydisengaged from implement 80. The operator may then restart engine 26 ofpower unit 12 and lower the hitch 84 down while slowly reversing powerunit 10 away from the implement 80. The lowering of hitch 84 tends tocause implement 80 to rotate in the direction of arrow “G” (FIG. 17C);pivoting around upper crossbar 92 as it rotates. Additionally, walls 148g and 150 g rotate about the curved forward edges of first and secondhitch tabs 86 b, 88 a, thereby disengaging the first and second hitchtabs 86 b, 88 a from the elongated upper slots 148 e, and 150 e withinfirst and second upper hitch plates 148 a, 150 a. Implement 80 may thenbe lifted off hitch 84 in the direction of arrow “H” (FIG. 17D) tocomplete the disconnection of implement 80 from power unit 10.

With reference to FIGS. 18A-B, attaching a different implement 80 suchas snowplow blade 82 to power unit 10 may follow a similar process asdetaching implement 80, the rotating broom, therefrom. The attachmentsteps are essentially the detachment steps performed in reverse.

As depicted in FIGS. 18A-18B, a snowplow 82 is shown being attached topower unit 10. As indicated earlier herein, snowplow 82 includes a blade358 that has a centrally located, vertically extending support 356mounted on the blade's rear surface. The first step in the attachmentprocess is to align power unit 10 with the implement 80 and drive powerunit 10 slowly forwardly and towards the attachment, stopping when thehitch 84 is in close proximity to attachment frame 385. Next, theoperator lowers the hitch 84 in the direction of arrow “I” (FIG. 18A)using hydraulic control lever 66 on the control panel 24 until the firstand second hitch tabs 86 b, 88 a are located below the slots (such asslot 348 e in upper plate 348 d and the associated slot that is providedon the second support member. The operator may then drive power unit 10forward slowly. This motion causes hitch 84 to pivot about uppercrossbar 92 and the curved surfaces on the forward edge(s) 86 c, 88 c offirst side plate 86 and second plate 88 until the first and second hitchtabs 86 b, 88 a are aligned with and under the elongated upper slots 348e and the slot in second support member.

Next, the operator may raise the hitch 84 a distance from the groundsurface. This will cause implement to rotate in the direction of arrow“J” and causes the hitch tabs 86 b, 88 a to be received within theelongated upper slots 348 e and the equivalent slot in the secondsupport member. The hitch 84 should continue to be raised until theimplement 80 begins to rise off surface “S”. The lifting of implement 80causes hitch 84 to rotate about upper crossbar 92 so that the lowerregion of implement 80 moves towards hitch 84. The lower region of theimplement 80 will move into a proper position to engage first and secondlatches 112 b, 138 a in slot 348 f, and the similar slot in the secondsupport member of attachment frame 385.

At this point, the operator may shut off engine 26 and engage parkingbrake 62 to prevent any undesired movement of power unit 10. Theoperator then may rotate handle lock 116 in the opposite direction ofarrow “L” (FIG. 18b ) to disengage lock tab 112 d from second lockmember 116 c while simultaneously rotating attachment latch handle 160forwardly (i.e., counterclockwise in the direction of arrow “K” (FIG.18B). This engages first and second latches 112 b, 138 a withinelongated lower slots 348 f, and the slot in the second support member.Handle lock 116 may then be rotated clockwise in the direction of arrow“L” to engage lock tab 112 d with first lock member 116 b in order toprevent attachment latch handle 112 from rotating out of the latchedposition.

If the implement 80 being attached to the power unit 10 is to be engagedwith power transfer system 36 components, the next step is to place theattachment belt 156 around the open groove on double pulley 236. Theoperator will then secure attachment belt 156 on implement 80 in placeby engaging tension spring 246 and spring arm 246 a with tensionadjustment plate 248. This causes second tensioner pulley 244 to putattachment belt 156 under tension. Next, the attachment belt 156 shouldbe inspected visually to ensure proper engagement within grooves ofdouble pulley 236 and second tensioner pulley 244 before proceeding. Ifattachment belt 156 is not properly engaged, tension may be released soattachment belt 156 may be re-seated. If implement includes hydraulicand/or electrical components, the hoses for the hydraulics and theelectrical systems may be connected to corresponding outlets on powerunit 10. The power unit may then be operated.

As discussed further herein, attachment frame 85 may include additionalelements dependent upon the implement 80 installed therewith.Additionally, if the specific implement 80 installed does not require anelement previously discussed herein, such elements may be omittedaccording to the judgment of a person of skill in the art.

It will be further understood that the implements and operationdescribed herein need not be limited to snow and ice removal andtreatment, but could also be modified for use in earth or sandmovement/removal, or in other similar and/or related endeavors. It willbe appreciated by a person of skill in the art therefore, that thistechnology has applications beyond the snow and ice removal industry andmay be readily adapted for other uses without undue experimentation ormodification.

Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods,of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of themethod may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments maybe constructed in which acts are performed in an order different thanillustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, eventhough shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) mayrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “Comprising,” “including,” “Carrying,” “having,”“Containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “Composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “Consisting of” and “Consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure.Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “other embodiments,”or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiments is includedin at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, ofthe invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “oneembodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “otherembodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiments.

Additionally, any method of performing the present disclosure may occurin a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, nosequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitlystated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of themethod in a different order could achieve a similar result.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of thedisclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exactdetails shown or described.

What is claimed:
 1. A power unit comprising: a powered vehicle havingdifferential steering, said powered vehicle including: a frame having afront end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, and a longitudinalaxis extending between the front end and the rear end; a pair of frontwheels mounted proximate the front end of the frame; a pair of rearwheels mounted proximate the rear end of the frame; and a drop spreaderengaged with the frame at a location that is between the pair of frontwheels and the pair of rear wheels; wherein the drop spreader includes:a material trough extending from proximate the left side of the frame toproximate the right side of the frame, wherein the material trough isadapted to hold a quantity of particulate materials therein; an augerdisposed in the material trough and being rotatable about an axisoriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the frame, whereinthe auger is actuatable to move the particulate materials along thematerial trough in a direction moving towards one of the left side andthe right side of the frame; wherein a slot is defined in a bottom endof the material trough and the bottom end of the material trough isadapted to be located directly above a surface over which the poweredvehicle is traveling, and wherein the slot allows the particulatematerials to drop downwardly therethrough under force of gravitydirectly from the material trough and onto the surface over which thepowered vehicle is traveling; a control panel provided on the powerunit; wherein the spreader is operatively engaged with the control paneland the spreader is actuated by an operator of the power unit utilizingthe control panel; one or more support bars provided adjacent thecontrol panel, wherein the one or more support bars each include ahorizontal leg that is at a height relative to a top surface of thecontrol panel, and wherein the one or more support bars are adapted asanchor points for the operator's wrist, forearm and/or fingers; and adrive control lever extending upwardly from the control panel, whereinthe one or more support bars includes a forward support bar and a rearsupport bar located forwardly and rearwardly of the drive control lever,respectively, said forward support bar and rearward support bar beingoriented at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the powered vehicle,and wherein the forward support bar and the rear support bar are adaptedto provide anchor points for the operator's wrist, forearm, and/orfingers when the operator is manipulating the drive control lever andthereby allow for one-handed operation of the power unit.
 2. The powerunit according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a longitudinal axisthat extends between the front end and the rear end thereof; and whereinthe spreader is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis. 3.The power unit according to claim 1, wherein the powered vehicle is askid steer.
 4. The power unit according to claim 1, wherein a portion ofthe spreader extends outwardly beyond at least one of the left side andthe right side of the frame; and an upper end of the portion of thespreader defines an opening therein; and wherein the opening is in fluidcommunication with an interior chamber of the spreader and the openingis adapted to permit introduction of particulate materials into theinterior chamber.
 5. The power unit according to claim 1, wherein thespreader is an independent unit that is detachably engageable with thepower unit.
 6. The power unit according to claim 1, further comprising amotor provided on the spreader.
 7. The power unit according to claim 1,further comprising: a brine tank mounted on the power unit; said brinetank being adapted to retain a quantity of brine therein; and one ormore nozzles operatively engaged with the brine tank; wherein the one ormore nozzles are positioned rearwardly of the pair of rear wheels of thepower unit.
 8. The power unit according to claim 1, further comprising aplatform provided toward the rear end of the frame, wherein the platformis adapted to receive an operator thereon in a standing position.
 9. Thepower unit according to claim 1, wherein the powered vehicle has aturning radius that approximates a zero turn radius.
 10. The power unitaccording to claim 1, wherein the one or more support bars include awrist support bar that extends upwardly from the top surface of thecontrol panel and is oriented at right angles to a longitudinal axis ofthe powered vehicle, where the longitudinal axis extends between thefront and rear ends of the vehicle, and wherein the wrist support bar isadapted to allow an operator to rest his or her wrist or part of theirforearm thereon while manipulating controls on the control panel. 11.The power unit according to claim 1, further comprising a drive systemprovided on the powered vehicle, said drive system being operable tomove the powered vehicle across the surface; and wherein the spreader isoperatively linked to the drive system and is configured to dropparticulate material from the spreader based on a speed of travel of thepowered unit over the surface.
 12. The power unit according to claim 10,wherein the wrist support bar is selectively adjustable in heightrelative to the top surface of the control panel.
 13. The power unitaccording to claim 1, wherein the horizontal leg of the one or moresupport bars is non-rotatable.
 14. A power unit comprising: a poweredvehicle having differential steering and including: a frame having afront end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween;a pair of front wheels mounted proximate a front end of the frame; apair of rear wheels mounted proximate a rear end of the frame; a dropspreader engaged with the frame at a location between the pair of frontwheels and the pair of rear wheels; a control panel operably engagedwith the drop spreader, wherein the drop spreader is actuated by anoperator of the power unit utilizing the control panel; a drive controllever extending upwardly from the control panel, one or more supportbars provided adjacent the control panel, said one or more support barsincluding a forward support bar located forwardly of the drive controllever; and a rear support bar located rearwardly of the drive controllever; wherein the forward support bar and the rear support bar areoriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the frame and each ofthe forward support bar and rear support bar includes a horizontal leglocated at a height relative to a top surface of the control panel, andwherein the forward support bar and rear support bar are adapted toprovide anchor points for an operator's wrist, forearm, and/or fingerswhen the operator is manipulating the drive control lever, therebyenabling one-handed operation of the powered vehicle by the operator.15. The power unit according to claim 14, wherein the drop spreaderincludes: a material trough extending from proximate the left side ofthe frame to proximate the right side of the frame, wherein the materialtrough is adapted to hold a quantity of particulate materials therein;wherein a slot is defined in a bottom end of the material trough and thebottom end of the material trough is adapted to be located directlyabove a surface over which the powered vehicle is traveling, and whereinthe slot allows the particulate materials to drop downwardlytherethrough under force of gravity directly from the material troughand onto the surface over which the powered vehicle is traveling. 16.The power unit according to claim 15, further comprising a hole definedin a left side surface or a right side surface of the frame; and whereinthe spreader is an independent unit that is configured to be selectivelyreceivable in the hole and engaged with the frame.
 17. The power unitaccording to claim 16, further comprising a metal plate sized to closeoff access to the hole when the spreader is not received in the hole.18. The power unit according to claim 15, wherein at least one frontwheel of the pair of front wheels is provided with a fender; and whereina portion of the spreader rests on the fender.
 19. The power unitaccording to claim 14, further comprising: a brine tank mounted on thepower unit; said brine tank being adapted to retain a quantity of brinetherein; and one or more nozzles operatively engaged with the brinetank; wherein the one or more nozzles are positioned rearwardly of thepair of rear wheels of the power unit.
 20. The power unit according toclaim 14, further comprising a platform provided toward the rear end ofthe frame, wherein the platform is adapted to receive an operatorthereon in a standing position.
 21. The power unit according to claim14, wherein the powered vehicle has a turning radius that approximates azero turn radius.
 22. The power unit according to claim 14, furthercomprising a drive system provided on the powered vehicle, said drivesystem being operable to move the powered vehicle across the surface;and wherein the spreader is operatively linked to the drive system andis configured to drop particulate material from the spreader based on aspeed of travel of the powered unit over the surface.
 23. The power unitaccording to claim 14, wherein the wrist support bar is selectivelyadjustable in height relative to the top surface of the control paneland or the horizontal leg of the one or more support bars isnon-rotatable.